Rapper Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs was convicted of two prostitution charges while being acquitted of the most serious charges against him.
The jury reached a verdict
On Wednesday, July 2, a Manhattan jury found Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
RELATED STORIES
After a seven-week trial, the music mogul was acquitted of the most serious charges – sex trafficking and racketeering.
His sentence is unlikely to be lengthy
As he was only charged with the lesser charges of prostitution, Diddy is unlikely to spend too long in prison.
Former federal prosecutor and legal commentator Neama Rahmani told People, “He is likely going to get little to no time.”
Prostitution has a 10 year maximum sentence
Rahmani went on, “He may even get time served and prostitution has a 10 year maximum. But the fact that he was acquitted of the most serious counts, the government would not have brought this case had they thought they could only get prostitution.”
It seems like a loss for the prosecution
The sentences which Combs is likely to receive are considered a loss for the prosecution; he’s unlikely to receive a harsh sentence as he wasn’t found guilty of the other counts.
“[This was] a huge overwhelming win by the defense and a tremendous loss for the prosecution,” Rahmani said. “There is no other way to spin it. This is the most expensive prostitution trial in American history.”
Combs could stay in jail pending pre-sentence report
The legal commentator further added that Combs will likely stay in jail pending a pre-sentence report as well as a report from US probation. However, Rahmani says he expects Combs’ attorney to ask for a bond.
A bond is a financial guarantee that allows a defendant to be released on the promise that they would return to the court when asked.
Rahmani believes the court might grant it
“The judge may actually grant bond because he’s been acquitted of the most serious counts,” the legal commentator said.
“So I would expect them to make a renewed motion for bond. But even if that motion is denied, he’s going to be out soon.”
Combs’ trial lasted seven weeks
The rapper, who was arrested back in September 2024, was on trial for seven weeks with 34 witnesses testifying, including his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura.
Prosecutors argued that Combs coerced Ventura and another woman who testified under a pseudonym to take part in sex parties called ‘freak-offs’.
The rapper, who owns a music label, was also accused of running a criminal enterprise over two decades using help from his staff and inner circles.
Jury were also shown a violent video
During the trial, the jury were also shown a video of Combs chasing, beating and kicking Ventura in a Los Angeles hotel lobby in 2016.
Ventura alleged the attack took place when she was trying to leave a ‘freak-off’ party.