Music icon Sean “Diddy” Combs was found not guilty of the most serious charges against him, including racketeering, conspiracy, and sex trafficking, following a federal trial that held the public’s focus for weeks.
A Manhattan jury delivered its verdict Wednesday morning following deliberations that stretched over two days. While Combs was acquitted on the racketeering and sex trafficking counts, he was still found guilty on two felony counts of “transporting individuals to engage in prostitution.”
Combs appeared visibly emotional as the decisions were read aloud, hugging his legal team and exchanging gestures with family members seated in the courtroom, per Fox News. The hip-hop icon, who had pleaded not guilty to all charges, stood to pray and thanked the jury before leaving court.
The charges against Diddy went viral after a lengthy investigation that began last year, when federal agents raided Combs’ properties in Los Angeles and Miami. Prosecutors alleged that Combs ran a “criminal network” for decades, accusing him of using his influence and money to sexually exploit, abuse, and silence victims.
Ultimately, jurors could not agree on the most severe charges tied to a federal racketeering conspiracy, a charge that alone could have led to a 20-year prison sentence.
The convictions on transportation and other smaller related counts, each carrying a potential penalty of up to 10 years, are a significant blow to Combs, though not the worst potential outcome for the former rapper, producer, and record label owner.
During closing arguments, Combs’ defense team tried to paint him as a target of government overreach, arguing that prosecutors had tried to criminalize his private life without clear evidence of any real criminal enterprise.
Outside the courthouse, “supporters” gathered with signs and t-shirts, some reading “A freako is not a R.I.C.O.,” blurring the lines between true supporters and those making a meme of Combs’ serious charges, per YahooNews.
Federal prosecutors, meanwhile, continued to argue that Combs used his inner circle and resources to sexually abuse, manipulate, and silence an array of victims ranging in ages, genders, and races.
According to the prosecution, it seems that Comb’s predatory nature knew no age, race, or gender boundaries.
Jurors heard testimony from dozens of witnesses, along with evidence ranging from text messages to financial records, all showcasing Comb’s abuse.
Sentencing on the two convictions is expected later this year. Combs has not yet issued a public statement, but his legal team has allegedly indicated they plan to appeal.