Sean 'Diddy' Combs radiates relief after partial acquittal
Combs, 55, was still convicted on two lesser counts related to prostitution, and could serve time. But he and his lawyers hailed the day as a win.
Defence attorney Teny Geragos's eyes welled with tears before jurors had even finished reading the full verdict, clutching Combs's hand before embracing her co-attorney Marc Agnifilo.
Combs, who has been seen in court reading books including 'The Power of Positive Thinking,' contained himself as the judge thanked jurors, but his relief was palpable.
He was later captured by a sketch artist having fallen to his knees, his face buried in the chair he sat in for two months listening to weeks of testimony that cast him as a serial predator and master manipulator with violent impulses.
His lawyer and prosecutors then made competing arguments as to whether he should be released on bond pending his sentencing.
When Judge Arun Subramanian rhetorically asked whether or not Combs wants to return to the notorious Brooklyn prison where he has been held since September 2024, he rapidly shook his head.
Before retiring to a courthouse holding cell to await the judge's decision, Combs voiced thanks and love to his family members, who have been a regular presence during the proceedings.
He also softly pumped his fists in his lap and mouthed his thanks to the jury.
It was a jubilant scene for a defence team that spent weeks picking apart harrowing testimony from women who said Sean Combs abused and forced them into sexual marathons with male escorts.
The details were often difficult to hear, as was photo and video evidence of brutal beatings the women said Combs had subjected them to.
The defence never denied the violence, or the sex – encounters that prosecutors said met legal thresholds for crimes including sex trafficking, forced labour and drug distribution.
Government attorneys argued that Combs led a criminal organisation of loyal employees who helped him carry out those crimes and many others with impunity.
But the defence dismissed, and even mocked, those allegations.
And jurors took their side.
It was a major blow for federal prosecutors, who appeared somber as they left the room while the defence celebrations were ongoing.
Outside the courthouse, crowds of Sean Combs supporters along with hordes of influencers and content creators – who have been a constant feature of the proceedings – created a circus of sorts, prompting police to barricade the plaza just outside the building.
Many of those celebrated with an air of 'told you so' – and eagerly crowded the courthouse hoping to catch a glimpse of Combs.
Ahead of the bail hearing, the US Attorney's Office that brought the charges released a serious statement that stood in stark contrast with the chaos outside.
'Sex crimes deeply scar victims, and the disturbing reality is that sex crimes are all too present in many aspects of our society,' read the statement.
'Victims endure gut-wrenching physical and mental abuse, leading to lasting trauma.'
Combs ultimately was denied bail – in relative terms, a minor disappointment on one of the most pivotal days of his life.
If slightly deflated, he sat stoically as the teams debated the decision into the evening.
Agnifilo called him a 'remarkable prisoner' who had 'lived up to his obligations.'
Prosecutor Maurene Comey countered that Combs is an 'extremely violent man with an extraordinarily dangerous temper who has shown no remorse and no regret.'
Combs waved at the judge as if he had something to say, but then huddled with his lawyers. He ultimately didn't take the mic.
His return to prison awaiting sentencing was not particularly unexpected.
Outside, Agnifilo dubbed the day a 'major step in the right direction,' vowing that Combs would one day walk free.
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The Herald
13 hours ago
- The Herald
Lockdowns and fights: Sean ‘Diddy' Combs back in Brooklyn jail ahead of sentencing
His hopes of returning to one of those homes and the embrace of his family after being cleared of the more serious charges were soon dashed. The judge denied Combs' request for bail, citing evidence of his violent behaviour presented during the trial. In recent years, the MDC has been plagued by persistent staffing shortages, power outages and maggots in inmates' food. Two weeks after Combs' arrest, prosecutors announced criminal charges against nine MDC inmates for crimes including assault, attempted murder and murder at the facility in the months before Combs arrived. In January last year, a federal judge in Manhattan declined to order a man charged with drug crimes detained pending trial at the MDC, calling the conditions there an 'ongoing tragedy'. Last August, another judge said he would convert an older defendant's nine-month jail term to home incarceration if he were sent to the MDC, citing the jail's 'dangerous, barbaric conditions'. The US Bureau of Prisons, which operates the MDC, said it was engaged in 'intensive efforts to improve conditions at MDC Brooklyn'. The agency said it confiscated drugs, weapons and other contraband during a sweep of the jail last October and November. During the eight-week trial, US marshals transported Combs to and from the courthouse in Lower Manhattan every day from the facility in Brooklyn's Sunset Park neighbourhood, which has also housed former cryptocurrency entrepreneur Sam Bankman-Fried and Luigi Mangione, accused of killing a health insurance executive. Bankman-Fried has since been moved to a low security prison in California and is appealing his fraud conviction and 25-year sentence. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to murder charges. A jury found Combs not guilty on Wednesday on sex trafficking and racketeering charges, sparing him a potential life sentence, but convicted him on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution that could land him in prison for several years. He had pleaded not guilty to all charges. Combs' defence lawyer Marc Agnifilo said in court on Wednesday Combs had been housed in 'a very difficult part of the MDC' where there have been fights. His lawyer Alexandra Shapiro said in a November 2024 court filing that frequent lockdowns at the facility had impaired Combs' ability to prepare for trial. On Wednesday, Combs' lawyers praised MDC staff, who they said had facilitated their access to him during the trial. Defence lawyer Teny Geragos told reporters after the verdict: 'Despite the terrible conditions at the MDC, I want to thank the good people who work there.' Reuters
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
Diddy trial verdict sparks outrage: 50 Cent, Kesha and others speak out
Sean 'Diddy' Combs stands trial for shocking allegations of running a sex trafficking ring. Image: Bang Showbiz Disgraced music mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs has been found guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution while being acquitted of more severe charges, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. The verdict in the high-profile trial, delivered on Wednesday, July 2, has prompted a flurry of responses from Hollywood stars, each weighing in on the implications of the case. Among the loud voices expressing their thoughts was rapper Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, a long-time rival of Combs, who took to Instagram to post: "Diddy beat the Rico, that boy a bad man! 👏👏👏, he like the Gay John Gotti." Aubrey O'Day, the former member of the girl group Danity Kane, which was formed under Combs's Bad Boy Records, shared: "I'm still unpacking the magnitude of it all. The cultural weight of this decision is immeasurable." She expressed sympathy for Cassie Ventura, Combs's ex-girlfriend and the victim in one of the charges he was convicted of, stating: "My heart is with Cassie. A woman who could've had a life and career free of fear and control." Rosie O'Donnell also voiced her outrage, noting on Instagram: "Guess a jury just never wants to believe that a woman stays because of power and coercion - wow - they just think women stay because what? money - fame - 'they love the abuse'. "What a f*****g joke. This decision got me angry." Aubrey O'Day, the former member of the girl group Danity Kane took to her social media to share her disappointment in the verdict. Image: Sceengrab/ Instagram Stories
The South African
2 days ago
- The South African
Sean 'Diddy' Combs radiates relief after partial acquittal
His gaze to the ceiling in exultation and hands miming prayer, Sean Combs appeared overjoyed as the jury foreman declared the music mogul not guilty of racketeering and sex trafficking charges, thus taking a life sentence in prison off the table. Combs, 55, was still convicted on two lesser counts related to prostitution, and could serve time. But he and his lawyers hailed the day as a win. Defence attorney Teny Geragos's eyes welled with tears before jurors had even finished reading the full verdict, clutching Combs's hand before embracing her co-attorney Marc Agnifilo. Combs, who has been seen in court reading books including 'The Power of Positive Thinking,' contained himself as the judge thanked jurors, but his relief was palpable. He was later captured by a sketch artist having fallen to his knees, his face buried in the chair he sat in for two months listening to weeks of testimony that cast him as a serial predator and master manipulator with violent impulses. His lawyer and prosecutors then made competing arguments as to whether he should be released on bond pending his sentencing. When Judge Arun Subramanian rhetorically asked whether or not Combs wants to return to the notorious Brooklyn prison where he has been held since September 2024, he rapidly shook his head. Before retiring to a courthouse holding cell to await the judge's decision, Combs voiced thanks and love to his family members, who have been a regular presence during the proceedings. He also softly pumped his fists in his lap and mouthed his thanks to the jury. It was a jubilant scene for a defence team that spent weeks picking apart harrowing testimony from women who said Sean Combs abused and forced them into sexual marathons with male escorts. The details were often difficult to hear, as was photo and video evidence of brutal beatings the women said Combs had subjected them to. The defence never denied the violence, or the sex – encounters that prosecutors said met legal thresholds for crimes including sex trafficking, forced labour and drug distribution. Government attorneys argued that Combs led a criminal organisation of loyal employees who helped him carry out those crimes and many others with impunity. But the defence dismissed, and even mocked, those allegations. And jurors took their side. It was a major blow for federal prosecutors, who appeared somber as they left the room while the defence celebrations were ongoing. Outside the courthouse, crowds of Sean Combs supporters along with hordes of influencers and content creators – who have been a constant feature of the proceedings – created a circus of sorts, prompting police to barricade the plaza just outside the building. Many of those celebrated with an air of 'told you so' – and eagerly crowded the courthouse hoping to catch a glimpse of Combs. Ahead of the bail hearing, the US Attorney's Office that brought the charges released a serious statement that stood in stark contrast with the chaos outside. 'Sex crimes deeply scar victims, and the disturbing reality is that sex crimes are all too present in many aspects of our society,' read the statement. 'Victims endure gut-wrenching physical and mental abuse, leading to lasting trauma.' Combs ultimately was denied bail – in relative terms, a minor disappointment on one of the most pivotal days of his life. If slightly deflated, he sat stoically as the teams debated the decision into the evening. Agnifilo called him a 'remarkable prisoner' who had 'lived up to his obligations.' Prosecutor Maurene Comey countered that Combs is an 'extremely violent man with an extraordinarily dangerous temper who has shown no remorse and no regret.' Combs waved at the judge as if he had something to say, but then huddled with his lawyers. He ultimately didn't take the mic. His return to prison awaiting sentencing was not particularly unexpected. Outside, Agnifilo dubbed the day a 'major step in the right direction,' vowing that Combs would one day walk free. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
