Global hip-hop producer and businessman Sean 'Diddy' Combs (Puff Daddy, 55) was found guilty on some charges in federal court. While he was acquitted of sexual and organized crime charges, the jury reached a significant conclusion of 'guilty' on the charge of human trafficking for the purpose of prostitution.
According to foreign media including Page Six on the 2nd (local time), the U.S. District Court in Manhattan, New York, found Diddy guilty on both counts of transporting individuals for prostitution (Transportation to engage in prostitution). However, he was acquitted of charges related to procuring prostitution and organized crime (human trafficking for prostitution and Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO)).
The jury consisted of 8 men and 4 women, and around 9:52 a.m. submitted a note to the judge indicating they had reached a unanimous verdict. Diddy watched the verdict results in court alongside his family.
Under local law, the charges carry a maximum sentence of 10 years per count, and Diddy could face up to 20 years in total. The final sentencing will be determined at a later date.
Diddy's legal representative noted after the hearing that 'the defendant's family can post bail' and requested a $1 million bail alongside permission to travel to Florida, New York, and LA. However, the prosecution strongly opposed this, and the court immediately withheld its judgment.
This trial is related to a massive investigation by the U.S. government that began after his arrest in September 2024. At that time, the Federal Bureau of Investigation raided Diddy's homes in Miami and Los Angeles, seizing firearms and large quantities of lubricants, thereby intensifying the investigation. Diddy has been facing trial while being detained at a jail located in Brooklyn, New York.
What attracted public attention most was the courtroom testimony from Diddy's ex-girlfriend and singer Cassie Ventura. Cassie, who was eight months pregnant at the time, testified that she suffered emotional, verbal, and physical abuse in her relationship with Diddy and claimed that she was repeatedly coerced into participating in group sexual acts known as 'Freak-Off.'
'Freak-Off' involved Cassie having sexual relations with male sex workers while Diddy watched and gave orders, and it reportedly lasted for up to four days on some occasions. She also stated that this led to various diseases and physical anomalies. Earlier, in November 2023, Cassie filed a lawsuit against Diddy for rape, which was concluded with a substantial settlement.
Additionally, rapper Kid Cudi testified that 'Diddy broke into my home and set my vehicle on fire with a Molotov cocktail,' and another ex-partner appeared under the pseudonym 'Jane Doe,' tearfully admitting, 'I participated in Freak-Off repeatedly, and I still have feelings left over.'
Diddy's side strongly claimed innocence, asserting that 'it was merely consensual sexual activity and there was no coercion,' but the jury was not persuaded on some charges.
Meanwhile, Diddy was acquitted of charges related to sexual and organized crimes, avoiding the possibility of a life sentence. However, the confirmation of his guilt regarding prostitution-related charges is likely to lead to legal and social repercussions.
Diddy maintains his position of 'I am innocent,' and the presence of his entire family, including his 34-year-old eldest son Quincy and twin daughters D'Lila and Jessie, in court supporting their father caught attention. Especially, one of the twin daughters was seen wiping away tears while leaving the court.
This ruling has been commented upon as demonstrating the reality that, despite global fame and wealth, everyone is equal before the law. The sentencing outcome for Diddy is expected to have considerable repercussions not only in the U.S. entertainment industry but also across society.
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