A jury acquitted Sean “Diddy” Combs on the top charges and convicted of a lesser sex-crimes charge after nearly two months of his federal trial.
A 12-person jury delivered a bombshell split decision July 2 in Combs’ case, which started May 5 in Manhattan federal court. Jurors found Combs guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution but acquitted him on the most serious charge of racketeering and both sex trafficking counts.
Combs’ trial was among the most noteworthy of the #MeToo era, following explosive cases against disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, R&B singer R. Kelly, and A-list actors Kevin Spacey and Johnny Depp.
Combs has long maintained his innocence. . He previously pleaded not guilty to all charges, and faced two counts of sex trafficking, two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution and one count of racketeering for leading what prosecutors alleged was a criminal organization.
Combs’ case proved was particularly challenging, wading into the murky gray areas of consent and coercion, celebrity, complex workplace dynamics and the myriad ways that people cope with trauma.
His conviction centers on the transportation of two former girlfriends – Casandra “Cassie” Ventura Fine and the anonymous “Jane” – as well as sex workers for the intent of prostitution. He faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, as each count carries a maxium of 10 years.
