Sean 'Diddy' Combs juror hits back at 'insulting' public reaction to verdict
The 55-year-old rapper was found guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution relating to ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura and a woman who testified under the name 'Jane' but was acquitted on the more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering and a jury member has denied claims that Diddy's celebrity status influenced their decision.
The unnamed juror told ABC News: "We spent over two days deliberating. Our decision was based solely on the evidence presented and how the law is stated. We would have treated any defendant in the same manner regardless of who they are. I have nothing else to say."
Diddy's attorney Anna Estevao described Wednesday's (02.07.25) verdict as a "huge win" for the I'll Be Missing You hitmaker as he avoided the possibility of life in prison, although he was denied bail by US District Judge Arun Subramanian.
She said outside the courtroom in Manhattan: "This is a reminder to everyone I hope of the flaws in the criminal justice system and for everybody to take a second look when the government charges people with crimes.
"This is a huge win. He was acquitted of sex trafficking, acquitted of RICO conspiracy and he will sleep well at night knowing that."
Diddy - who has been in custody in Brooklyn since his arrest last September - was convinced of flying people around the US to engage in sexual encounters and Judge Subramanian denied bail as he noted the prosecution's argument that a Mann Act violation means the detention is "mandatory".
The original 1919 law prohibited interstate or foreign commerce transport of a woman or girl "or prostitution, debauchery or for any other immoral purpose".
In 1986, the law was made gender-neutral, and the wording altered to change "debauchery" and "immoral purpose" to "any sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offence".
Judge Subramanian said that "for present purposes, the defendant is unable to meet his burden" to show "lack of danger to any person or the community" with clear and convincing evidence.
He added: "Prior to the trial, the court denied bail, and sees no reason to reverse that now."
Diddy could now face a combined sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison, with Judge Subramanian scheduling a sentencing hearing for October 3.
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