On Wednesday, the Manhattan federal jury decided on the charges against music entrepreneur Sean “Diddy” Combs, ending his trial. The rapper was found guilty by the jury on two charges linked to prostitution, but he was found not guilty of the three federal sex trafficking offences. The jury started deliberating and returned a verdict on July 2 after the case’s arguments concluded on June 30. There’s no definite date for his sentence.
Diddy has been guilty of two prostitution-related offences, including the cross-border transit of his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura and another victim known as ‘Jane Doe’, along with male escorts, for the commission of prostitution.
Diddy coerced “Jane”, who dated him from 2021 to 2024, into spending nights at hotels having sex with male escorts, according to her evidence.
In a similar testimony, Ventura said that Diddy coerced her into engaging in similar sexual actions with male escorts at what she called “Freak Offs”.
When will Diddy be sentenced?
CNN stated that Combs, Diddy’s sister and the mother of his eldest daughter, co-signed a $1 million bail that Diddy’s defence requested be used to secure his release following the verdict.
Other provisions in the petition for his release include limiting his travel to specific areas of Florida, California, New York, and New Jersey. His passport surrender and the pre-trial services’ drug test are also included.
However, the prosecution has maintained that Diddy shouldn’t be allowed to go. Both sides were instructed to submit a letter outlining their arguments by Judge Arun Subramaniam.
The attorney representing Cassie Ventura, Diddy’s victim and ex-girlfriend, wrote to Judge Subramanian, claiming that Diddy is dangerous to the victims who gave testimony.
“Ms. Ventura believes that Mr. Combs is likely to pose a danger to the victims who testified in this case, including herself, as well as to the community,” attorney Doug Wigdor wrote in the letter.
The founder of Bad Boy Records night has been sentenced to life in prison if proven guilty of those charges.
“I’m gonna be home soon,” Combs said, prompting applause and cheers from God’s family and supporters. “Thank you, I love you.”
The maximum penalty for each of the two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution is 10 years in prison; however, sentencing guidelines may ultimately allow for a maximum of 5¼ years, according to prosecutors. Despite denying Combs bail and ordering him to stay in jail, the judge allowed for an expedited court date and recommended a sentencing hearing in October.
“It’s a great victory for Sean Combs, it’s a great victory for the jury system,” defence lawyer Marc Agnifilo told reporters.