In the aftermath of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ high-profile federal trial, Sharay “The Punisher” Hayes—an unique dancer who testified throughout proceedings—spoke publicly concerning the consequence. In an interview with TMZ, Hayes stated he believed the jury reached a sound conclusion. “I think the verdict is actually the right one, in my opinion,” he stated, noting that the case appeared to him extra rooted in home complexity than within the patterns usually related to trafficking networks.

While Diddy was convicted of transporting people for the aim of prostitution, he was acquitted of the extra extreme fees of intercourse trafficking and racketeering. Hayes advised that jurors might have weighed the longstanding relationship between Diddy and Cassie Ventura as a part of their deliberations. “Taking myself out of the situation, and just trying to look at it from an individual, like a juror would,” he defined, “when you see this long-term, loving relationship with—this is his girlfriend.” He added that the consensual nature of their shared intimacy added dimension to how the proof could possibly be interpreted.

Hayes’ testimony blurred strains between consent and management

During his time on the stand, Hayes described encounters through which he and Cassie used child oil on each other whereas Diddy noticed and infrequently directed the setting—adjusting lighting, positioning, and even suggesting sexual acts. These moments, Hayes stated, mirrored a dynamic which will have formed how the jury assessed the prosecution’s claims. His account provided one in all a number of views that jurors had been tasked with weighing in opposition to federal statutes.

“If the deciding factor of the sex trafficking charge was gonna be based on consent or lack thereof,” Hayes stated, “I definitely feel like my testimony could’ve possibly influenced the way it was viewed.” He additionally acknowledged the emotional toll the trial had on each Cassie and Jane Doe, as they had been requested to revisit deeply private and troublesome experiences in court docket.

With sentencing scheduled for October 3 and Judge Arun Subramanian denying bail, the case has grow to be a flashpoint in a broader dialog about energy, intimacy, and obligation. Hayes’ testimony is only one half of a bigger, advanced image that continues to boost necessary authorized and cultural questions—with out providing simple solutions.