Diddy Was Just Convicted of 2 Sex Crimes: How Much Time Will He Spend in Prison?
Thirty four witnesses testified during the weeks-long trial, including his ex-girlfriend Casandra "Cassie" Ventura
Combs was accused of coercing women to participate in drug-fueled "freak off" parties and running a criminal enterprise over two decadesA Manhattan jury reached a verdict on Wednesday, July 2 finding that Sean "Diddy" Combs was guilty of prostitution charges.
The music mogul was acquitted of the most serious charges - sex trafficking and racketeering - after a seven-week trial.
Combs was found guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor and legal commentator, says Combs may not be given a lengthy sentence.
'He is likely going to get little to no time," he tells PEOPLE. "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.'
"[This was] a huge overwhelming win by the defense and a tremendous loss for the prosecution," says Rahmani. "There is no other way to spin it. This is the most expensive prostitution trial in American history."
Rahmani says Combs will most likely stay in jail pending a pre-sentence report and a report from U.S. probation but he expects the rapper's attorneys to ask for a bond to have him released immediately.
"The judge may actually grant bond because he's been acquitted of the most serious counts," says Rahmani. "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."
Thirty-four witnesses testified during the weeks-long trial, including Combs' ex-girlfriend Casandra 'Cassie' Ventura.
During the trial, prosecutors argued that Combs coerced Ventura and another woman who testified under the pseudonym "Jane," to take part in drug-fueled marathon sex sessions called "freak off" parties or 'hotel nights" that sometimes lasted for days.
Combs was also accused of running a criminal enterprise over two decades — with help from his staff and inner circle — that committed crimes including arson, bribery and kidnapping.
Combs, she said, enlisted his 'close inner circle and a small army of personal staff, who made it their mission to meet the defendant's every desire, promote his power and protect his reputation at all costs,' according to the AP.
His defense attorney argued that Combs, who did not testify, was innocent of all charges against him.
'Return him to his family, who have been waiting for him,' Marc Agnifilo said, per AP.
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During the trial, the jury was also shown the infamous video of Combs chasing, beating and kicking Ventura in a Los Angeles hotel lobby in 2016. She alleged the attack took place when she was trying to leave a Freak Off session.
The seven-week trial had plenty of dramatic moments outside the explosive testimony. At one point, a woman yelled several profanities before Judge Arun Subramanian ordered her removed from the courtroom.
"These motherf—ers are laughing at you," the woman yelled at Combs.
She then said, "you're laughing at a black man's legacy" and "pull your gun out ninja, I dare you."
Read the original article on People

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Newsweek
33 minutes ago
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Diddy Trial Verdict: Celebrities React—'Sick to My Stomach'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Celebrities are speaking out following Sean "Diddy" Combs' high-profile federal trial verdict on Wednesday. The rapper, 55, was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges and was found guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Newsweek reached out to Combs' representative via email for comment on Thursday. The Context Combs got his start as an intern at Uptown Records, and he founded Bad Boy Records in the early 1990s. The label signed notable artists like French Montana, Machine Gun Kelly, Janelle Monáe and Cassie Ventura. The New York native is also a three-time Grammy Award winning rapper, and he appeared in films like Get Him to the Greek, Godzilla, Monster's Ball and Bad Boys II. Prior to his legal troubles, Forbes said Combs was "on a glide path to becoming a billionaire." In 2019, the outlet reported his net worth to be approximately $740 million. Sean "Diddy" Combs attends the 2022 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 15, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (L) Aubrey O'Day attends the Creators Inc Art Week & Celebrity Fashion... Sean "Diddy" Combs attends the 2022 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 15, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (L) Aubrey O'Day attends the Creators Inc Art Week & Celebrity Fashion Show at Hyde Beach at SLS South Beach on December 8, 2024 in Miami Beach, Florida. (R) Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson attends the BMF/STARZ – For Your Consideration 2024 on May 2, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. More Bryan Steffy/WireImage;;for STARZ What To Know In November 2023, Ventura—who dated Combs on-and-off from 2007 until 2018—filed a lawsuit against him, alleging that he raped, sex trafficked and physically abused her over a 10-year period. In total, 120 people accused the music mogul of sexual misconduct, the Associated Press reported, and in March 2024, his Los Angeles and Miami homes were raided by federal agents. Combs was arrested in New York City in September and charged with racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has denied all accusations against him. What People Are Saying Ventura's laywer, Douglas H. Wigdor, said in a statement: "This entire criminal process started when our client Cassie Ventura had the courage to file her civil complaint in November 2023. Although the jury did not find Combs guilty of sex trafficking Cassie beyond a reasonable doubt, she paved the way for a jury to find him guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution. By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice. We must repeat – with no reservation – that we believe and support our client who showed exemplary courage throughout this trial. She displayed unquestionable strength and brought attention to the realities of powerful men in our orbit and the misconduct that has persisted for decades without repercussion. This case proved that change is long overdue, and we will continue to fight on behalf of survivors." John Rich, one half of the country duo Big & Rich, wrote on X: "Wicked and perverted child abusers across America are celebrating the Sean Combs verdicts today. I'm sick to my stomach and can't stop gritting my teeth. I pray The Father exercises His judgement upon them beyond anything a court could ever do. Can I get an amen from the people of The Lord?" Kesha shared on X: "Cassie, I believe you. I love you. Your strength is a beacon for every survivor." Rosie O'Donnell posted to Instagram: "i 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***ing joke - this decision got me angry #cassie." Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, who often takes jabs at Diddy on social media, said on Instagram: "Diddy beat the Rico, that boy a bad man! he like the Gay John Gotti @50centaction." Danity Kane member Aubrey O'Day, an outspoken critic of her former mentor Combs, took to her Instagram Story, writing: "I am still unpacking the magnitude of it all. The cultural weight of this decision is immeasurable. It is heartbreaking to witness how many lives have been impacted by their experiences with Sean Combs—only for those stories to fall short in the eyes of a jury. I can only hope these jurors never have to watch someone they love endure what so many survivors have described." "My heart is with Cassie. A woman who could've had a life and career free of fear and control. A woman who told her truth in a courtroom, only to have the world dissect her credibility instead of her courage." "Let's be clear: the courtroom operates by the law, but that DOES NOT mean it delivers justice. Nor is it the best place to develop the moral compass this world so urgently needs. The pattern of behavior Sean Combs has shown us over the decades is not a mystery. It is a warning. And now, that pattern risks being reframed—and has now been legitimized by the system. This wasn't Bonnie and Clyde—this was control, coercion, and abuse - and we have to stop rewriting history and excuse the behavior and start normalizing accountability—no matter how powerful the person. That narrative is not just dishonest. It's dangerous." "Women, Nor men, Nor ANY ARTIST - are the property of those with the most wealth, fame & power. We are not disposable. 12 people on a jury will not be deciding that for us." What Happens Next Combs was denied bail by Judge Arun Subramanian while he awaits his sentencing. His sentencing date is currently set for October 3 this year.


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Source: Jason Koerner / Getty Diddy has been denied bail and will sit in jail until sentencing. Judge Arun Subramanian says he denied Diddy bail three times already ahead of the trial and sees no reason to change that now. He also suggested a sentencing date of October 3, but at the defense's request, it could be moved up. This morning's verdict found him not guilty of RICO and sex trafficking, but guilty on two counts of transportation for prostitution, which was primarily seen as a victory for Combs and a disappointment for those hoping he'd see a lengthy sentence for his crimes. Those inside the courtroom say Diddy fell to his knees and prayed on the seat of his chair while the verdict was read. 'I'm coming home, baby!' he said, and later thanked the jury. The block surrounding the courthouse has been littered with supporters for weeks, and they celebrated the RICO acquittal by dancing around and pouring baby oil on each other. One woman even removed her wig while a man squirted her with the oil. If he'd received bail, he could've been released from custody and back home as soon as tonight. Cassie, one of Diddy's victims and the prosecution's first witness, believes that he should be kept behind bars while he awaits sentencing, fearing he'll try to exact revenge against those who were against him. 'We write as counsel for Casandra Ventura ('Ms. Ventura') to respectfully request that the Court deny Mr. Combs to be released pending his sentencing on his two convictions…' h er lawyer Douglas H. Wigdor said in a statement, recalling that the ' Bail Reform Act' states that 'detention is mandatory post-conviction on these charges, and Ms. Ventura believes that Mr. Combs is likely to pose a danger to the victims who testified in this case, including herself, as well as to the community.' Her sentiments were echoed by the prosecutors, who say that the charges for which he was found guilty require him to be in custody until sentencing. According to NBC News , they also attached a letter from a witness, celebrity stylist Deonte Nash, who writes that Diddy 'is a serious and immediate threat to victims, witnesses, and the broader community' and his release on bail would 'send a dangerous message: that wealth and influence can shield someone indefinitely from accountability.' Diddy's defense team, however, is fighting for his release, stating that he's not a flight risk. Attorney Alexandra Shapiro says, 'He needs and wants to be with —and remain with— his family.' He now faces 20 years in jail. See the reactions below. Diddy Denied Bail Just Hours After Supporters Celebrate RICO Acquittal With Baby Oil was originally published on