Sean “Diddy” Combs was acquitted Wednesday of essentially the most critical prices in his federal intercourse crimes trial, together with racketeering conspiracy and intercourse trafficking, however convicted on two counts of transportation for the aim of participating in prostitution. The jury returned its combined verdict after three days of deliberations, closing one of the crucial intently watched trials in latest reminiscence.

The choice marks a partial win for Diddy’s protection group, which rested its case with out calling a single witness over the course of the seven-week proceedings. Still, the result carries weight: U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian denied his request for bail, citing his “continued danger to others.” The choose added that Diddy’s authorized group had already “acknowledged his involvement in domestic violence.”

Diddy, 55, appeared emotional as the decision was learn. He knelt in prayer, thanking his household and authorized group, who embraced one another in reduction. Defense lawyer Alex Agnifilo argued that Diddy needs to be granted launch after practically a 12 months in custody, providing a $1 million bond and describing his consumer as a “model prisoner” dedicated to private progress. The sentencing date has been set for October 3. Federal prosecutors are pushing for a four- to five-year jail time period tied to the lesser convictions, whereas the protection is anticipated to push for a extra lenient final result.

Decades of Alleged Abuse Take Center Stage in Diddy Trial

The trial positioned a highlight on Diddy’s decades-long profession, tracing his rise because the founding father of Bad Boy Records and a key determine in hip-hop’s business ascent. Allegations from his former companion, singer Cassie Ventura, have been among the many first to floor publicly, prompting broader scrutiny and setting the stage for a authorized battle that has drawn nationwide consideration.

Over 30 witnesses took the stand, together with former assistants and collaborators. The prosecution offered a portrait of management and coercion stretching over twenty years. Key testimonies got here from three ladies, together with Ventura, who alleged sexual assault, psychological manipulation, and abuse. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik instructed jurors they didn’t want to search out each act non-consensual to achieve a responsible verdict: “This is not an all-or-nothing case.”

Agnifilo countered by framing Diddy as a flawed however not prison determine. “We own the domestic violence,” he instructed the jury, however insisted that no prison conspiracy existed. While the decision is in, Diddy nonetheless faces a number of civil fits associated to sexual misconduct—allegations he has categorically denied.