Sean 'Diddy' Combs gets standing ovation from inmates after court victory, his lawyer says
'They all said: 'We never get to see anyone who beats the government,'' attorney Marc Agnifilo said in a weekend interview days after a jury acquitted Combs of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges.
Combs, 55, remains jailed after his Wednesday conviction on prostitution-related charges and could still face several years in prison at an upcoming sentencing after being credited for 10 months already served.
After federal agents raided his homes in Los Angeles and Miami in March 2024, the lawyer said he told Combs to expect arrest on sex trafficking charges.
'I said: 'Maybe it's your fate in life to be the guy who wins,'' he recalled during a telephone interview briefly interrupted by a jailhouse call from Combs. 'They need to see that someone can win. I think he took that to heart.'
Blunt trial strategy works
The verdict came after a veteran team of eight defense lawyers led by Agnifilo executed a trial strategy that resonated with jurors. Combs passed lawyers notes during effective cross examinations of nearly three dozen witnesses over two months, including Combs' ex-employees.
The lawyers told jurors Combs was a jealous domestic abuser with a drug problem who participated in the swinger lifestyle through threesomes involving Combs, his girlfriends and another man.
'You may think to yourself, wow, he is a really bad boyfriend,' Combs' lawyer Teny Geragos told jurors in her May opening statement. But that, she said, 'is simply not sex trafficking.'
Agnifilo said the blunt talk was a 'no brainer."
'The violence was so clear and up front and we knew the government was going to try to confuse the jury into thinking it was part of a sex trafficking effort. So we had to tell the jury what it was so they wouldn't think it was something it wasn't,' he said.
Combs and his lawyers seemed deflated Tuesday when jurors said they were deadlocked on the racketeering count but reached a verdict on sex trafficking and lesser prostitution-related charges. A judge ordered them back to deliberate Wednesday.
'No one knows what to think,' Agnifilo said. Then he slept on it.
Morning surprise awakes lawyer
'I wake up at three in the morning and I text Teny and say: 'We have to get a bail application together," he recalled. 'It's going to be a good verdict for us but I think he went down on the prostitution counts so let's try to get him out.'
He said he 'kind of whipped everybody into feeling better' after concluding jurors would have convicted him of racketeering if they had convicted him of sex trafficking because trafficking was an alleged component of racketeering.
Agnifilo met with Combs before court and Combs entered the courtroom rejuvenated. Smiling, the onetime Catholic schoolboy prayed with family. In less than an hour, the jury matched Agnifilo's prediction.
The seemingly chastened Combs mouthed 'thank you' to jurors and smiled as family and supporters applauded. After he was escorted from the room, spectators cheered the defense team, a few chanting: 'Dream Team! Dream Team!' Several lawyers, including Geragos, cried.
'This was a major victory for the defense and a major loss for the prosecution,' said Mitchell Epner, a lawyer who worked with Agnifilo as a federal prosecutor in New Jersey over two decades ago. He credited 'a dream team of defense lawyers' against prosecutors who almost always win.
Agnifilo showcased what would become his trial strategy — belittling the charges and mocking the investigation that led to them — last September in arguing unsuccessfully for bail. The case against Combs was what happens when the 'federal government comes into our bedrooms,' he said.
Lawyers gently questioned most witnesses
During an eight-week trial, Combs' lawyers picked apart the prosecution case with mostly gentle but firm cross-examinations. Combs never testified and his lawyers called no witnesses.
Sarah Krissoff, a federal prosecutor in Manhattan from 2008 to 2021, said Combs' defense team 'had a narrative from the beginning and they did all of it without putting on any witnesses. That's masterful.'
Ironically, Agnifilo expanded the use of racketeering laws as a federal prosecutor on an organized crime task force in New Jersey two decades ago, using them often to indict street gangs in violence-torn cities.
'I knew the weak points in the statute,' he said. 'The statute is very mechanical. If you know how the car works, you know where the fail points are.'
He said prosecutors had 'dozens of fail points.'
'They didn't have a conspiracy, they just didn't,' he said. 'They basically had Combs' personal life and tried to build racketeering around personal assistants.'
Some personal assistants, even after viewing videos of Combs beating his longtime girlfriend, Casandra 'Cassie' Ventura, had glowing things to say about Combs on cross examination.
Once freed, Combs likely to re-enter domestic abusers program
For Combs, Agnifilo sees a long road ahead once he is freed as he works on personal demons, likely re-entering a program for domestic batterers that he had just started before his arrest.
'He's doing OK,' said Agnifilo, who speaks with him four or five times daily.
He said Combs genuinely desires improvement and 'realizes he has flaws like everyone else that he never worked on.'
'He burns hot in all matters. I think what he has come to see is that he has these flaws and there's no amount of fame and no amount of fortune' that can erase them," he said. 'You can't cover them up."
For Agnifilo, a final surprise awaited him after Combs' bail was rejected when a man collapsed into violent seizures at the elevators outside the courtroom.
'I'm like: 'What the hell?'' recalled the lawyer schooled in treating seizures.
Agnifilo straddled him, pulling him onto his side and using a foot to prevent him from rolling backward while a law partner, Jacob Kaplan, put a backpack under the man's head and Agnifilo's daughter took his pulse.
'We made sure he didn't choke on vomit. It was crazy. I was worried about him,' he said.
The man was eventually taken away conscious by rescue workers, leaving Agnifilo to ponder a tumultuous day.
'It was like I was getting punked by God,' he said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Geeky Gadgets
an hour ago
- Geeky Gadgets
John Carmack's Bold Quest to Build Human-Like AI for Games and Beyond
What if the same mind that transformed gaming with Doom and Quake could unlock the secrets of true artificial general intelligence (AGI)? John Carmack, a legendary figure in the tech world, believes this future is not just possible but inevitable. Known for his new work in video games and virtual reality, Carmack is now setting his sights on a new frontier: creating machines capable of human-like reasoning and adaptability. His bold vision doesn't just stop at smarter algorithms—it extends to robots that learn from the real world and AI systems that thrive in dynamic, unpredictable environments. By blending his expertise in gaming with his passion for AGI, Carmack is challenging the boundaries of what technology can achieve, and his approach could redefine how we think about intelligence itself. Wes and Dylan explore how Carmack's unique background shapes his approach to AGI, from using video games as controlled testing grounds to tackling the thorny challenges of robotics and real-world AI. You'll discover why he sees transfer learning and continuous adaptability as critical milestones for AGI and how his work could bridge the gap between today's narrow AI systems and tomorrow's versatile, human-like machines. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a gamer, or simply curious about the future of intelligence, Carmack's vision offers a fascinating glimpse into a world where robots and AI aren't just tools but collaborators in solving humanity's biggest challenges. It's a future that feels as thrilling—and as disruptive—as the games that first made him a legend. John Carmack's AGI Vision From Gaming Innovator to AGI Trailblazer Carmack's journey into AGI research is deeply rooted in his new contributions to the gaming and virtual reality industries. As the co-founder of ID Software, he played a pivotal role in developing iconic titles such as Doom and Quake. These games not only transformed the gaming landscape but also drove significant advancements in GPU technology, laying the groundwork for modern graphics processing. Later, his work at Oculus redefined virtual reality, setting new benchmarks for immersive experiences and influencing the broader tech industry. Inspired by the ambitious goals of OpenAI and his collaboration with AI researcher Richard Sutton, Carmack transitioned his focus to AGI. His vision centers on creating systems capable of human-like adaptability, reasoning, and learning. By drawing on his experience in developing complex systems, Carmack seeks to address the fundamental challenges that currently limit AI's ability to achieve general intelligence. Key Challenges in AGI Development Despite the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, AGI remains an elusive goal. Current large language models (LLMs) exhibit remarkable capabilities but fall short of replicating human-like reasoning, adaptability, and learning. These systems often rely on vast datasets and statistical patterns rather than genuine understanding, making them unsuitable for tasks requiring dynamic problem-solving. Carmack identifies several foundational challenges that must be addressed to advance AGI research: Transfer Learning: Developing AI systems that can apply knowledge gained from one task to another, allowing broader adaptability. Developing AI systems that can apply knowledge gained from one task to another, allowing broader adaptability. Continuous Learning: Making sure AI systems can acquire new skills without losing previously learned information. Making sure AI systems can acquire new skills without losing previously learned information. Dynamic Adaptability: Creating systems capable of responding flexibly to changing environments and unforeseen challenges. By tackling these challenges, researchers can move closer to creating AI systems that mirror the versatility and intelligence of human cognition. John Carmack Reveals AGI Future : Robots, Videogames & AI Agents Watch this video on YouTube. Advance your skills in AI video games by reading more of our detailed content. Video Games: A Controlled Testing Ground for AGI Carmack views video games as an ideal platform for AGI experimentation due to their controlled and unbiased environments. Games like Atari classics provide structured scenarios that are well-suited for reinforcement learning (RL) algorithms. These environments allow researchers to test AI systems in a variety of tasks, offering valuable insights into their decision-making processes and adaptability. However, a significant challenge lies in allowing AI agents to master multiple games sequentially without forgetting prior knowledge—a phenomenon known as catastrophic forgetting. To address this, Carmack explores the integration of robotics into gaming environments. By designing systems that physically interact with games, researchers can mimic human behavior more closely, gaining deeper insights into how AI can learn and adapt in dynamic settings. Real-World AI: Overcoming Technical Barriers Transitioning from virtual environments to real-world applications introduces a host of technical challenges. Carmack highlights several key obstacles that must be addressed to enable AI systems to function effectively in physical environments: Latency and Hardware Limitations: Physical systems often struggle to achieve the real-time responsiveness required for dynamic tasks. Physical systems often struggle to achieve the real-time responsiveness required for dynamic tasks. Reward Detection: Designing effective reward mechanisms for real-world tasks remains a complex and unresolved issue. Designing effective reward mechanisms for real-world tasks remains a complex and unresolved issue. Sparse Rewards: Many RL algorithms falter in environments where rewards are infrequent or ambiguous, limiting their ability to learn effectively. To overcome these barriers, Carmack advocates for curiosity-driven learning, an approach where AI agents are motivated to explore and acquire knowledge independently of external rewards. This method could significantly enhance the adaptability and problem-solving capabilities of AI systems, particularly in environments where traditional reward structures are insufficient. The Role of Standardized Benchmarks Carmack underscores the importance of standardized benchmarks in evaluating AI performance across a diverse range of tasks. Such benchmarks would discourage narrow, task-specific optimizations and instead promote the development of generalizable systems capable of functioning across multiple domains. Key areas of focus include: Transfer Learning: Building systems that can apply knowledge across a variety of tasks and contexts. Building systems that can apply knowledge across a variety of tasks and contexts. Intrinsic Motivation: Encouraging AI to explore and learn independently, fostering creativity and adaptability. Encouraging AI to explore and learn independently, fostering creativity and adaptability. Sparse Rewards: Enhancing AI's ability to operate effectively in environments with limited or delayed feedback. By prioritizing these areas, researchers can create AI systems that are not only more versatile but also better equipped to handle the complexities of real-world applications. Future Prospects: AGI in Robotics and Beyond Carmack envisions a future where AGI systems seamlessly integrate with the real world, learning from diverse experiences and environments. Bridging the gap between simulation-based AI and real-world applications will require overcoming significant challenges, particularly in robotics and physical interaction. Carmack believes that open source collaboration and community-driven efforts will play a crucial role in accelerating progress in AGI development. By fostering a collaborative research environment, Carmack aims to inspire innovation and drive advancements that could transform industries ranging from healthcare to autonomous systems. His vision reflects a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible, paving the way for a future where AGI systems contribute meaningfully to society. Media Credit: Wes and Dylan Filed Under: AI, Gaming News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Cameron Boyce remembered by his Descendants co-stars on the sixth anniversary of his tragic death
Late actor Cameron Boyce was remembered by three of his Descendants co-stars on the sixth anniversary of his tragic passing. Boyce was just 20 years of age when he suffered a fatal epileptic seizure in his sleep on July 6, 2019. While his epilepsy diagnosis was not previously made public, his family confirmed he was previously diagnosed just days after his death. Boyce was best known for playing Carlos - son of 101 Dalmatians villain Cruella de Vil in the Descendants movies and TV shorts that all aired on Disney Channel. Three of his co-stars - Sofia Carson (Evie), Booboo Stewart (Jay) and Sarah Jeffery (Audrey) - all took to Instagram on Sunday to pay tribute to their beloved co-star. Carson shared an undated black and white throwback snap of her, Boyce and fellow Descendants co-star Dove Cameron (Mal). She added the poignant caption, 'Our Angel. Forever,' which received over 1.1 million likes in nine hours from her 20.3 million followers. Her co-star Stewart shared that same post on his Instagram story for his 2.3 million followers as well. Jeffrey also took to her Instagram story sharing a throwback pic from 2014 of her and Boyce, along with a poignant tribute. A young Boyce was seen in a black hoodie with a black stocking cap while Jeffrey was in a black stocking cap and a brown coat as they embraced. '2014. On a BC ferry heading back to Victoria to shoot more of Descendants. Life is good. Miss you Cam,' Jeffrey said with a red heart emoji. Kenny Ortega, who directed all of the Descendants films, also shared a throwback snap of Boyce and a touching tribute on Instagram. 'Impossible to forget you Cameron. You own a piece of my heart. The memories of our times working together are some of my greatest treasures,' Ortega began. 'When you entered a room the light grew brighter because of your presence. Your laugh, imagination, talent, generosity, and loving heart were second to none,' he added. Jeffrey also took to her Instagram story sharing a throwback pic from 2014 of her and Boyce, along with a poignant tribute. Please join me in remembering our #foreverboy with a donation of any amount to the Cameron Boyce Foundation. Let's make the world a better and healthier place in his name. . .,' he concluded, while linking to the Cameron Boyce Foundation page. Boyce was found unresponsive in his Los Angeles home on July 6, 2019, and authorities pronounced him dead on the scene. Descendants followed a group of kids - the offspring of iconic Disney characters - who try to free their parents from captivity. Carson's Evie was the son of the Evil Queen from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Stewart's Jay was the son of Jafar from Aladdin and Jeffrey was the daughter of Aurora and Prince Philip from Sleeping Beauty. Boyce also starred in Mirrors, Eagle Eye, Grown Ups, Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer and Runts, along with playing Luke Ross on Jessie from 2011 to 2015.
The Guardian
an hour ago
- The Guardian
'It's killing me': Texas residents devastated by flood deaths in local summer camps
As the death toll continues to rise after deadly flash flooding in central Texas, a frantic search is under way for missing campers, vacationers and residents. Hunt resident Macon Ware's five granddaughters had just finished a summer camping session at Camp Mystic, the all-girl camp where dozens of campers were swept away in the flood. 'Some of their friends were there for the second session and my heart goes out to all those little girls,' he says
