Sean “Diddy” Combs was found guilty

Music mogul faces up to 10 years after Mann Act conviction; cleared of trafficking and racketeering charges

Sean “Diddy” Combs was found guilty on a charge connected to prostitution but was cleared of the most severe allegations during his trial in New York on Wednesday.

While Combs avoided a life sentence, the conviction could still result in a prison term of up to 10 years.

The jury convicted him of violating the federal Mann Act by transporting individuals across state lines to engage in prostitution. However, he was acquitted of the more serious charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. These charges stemmed from claims that he coerced girlfriends into repeated, drug-fueled sexual encounters with other men. His defense team countered these accusations by insisting all participants were consenting adults.

The verdict was reached on the third day of jury deliberations. It marks a potentially career-ending moment for the 55-year-old music mogul who rose to prominence as a successful producer, fashion icon, brand ambassador, and reality television figure.

Defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo urged the court to grant Combs conditional release, saying, “He should be allowed to return home under reasonable terms.” He criticized the prosecution for exaggerating the accusations, adding, “He’s looking forward to reclaiming his life. He values the second chance he’s been given.”

However, Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Ryan Comey opposed the motion. She asserted that Combs has committed numerous infractions while in custody and continues to show blatant disregard for the law. “There is no basis to believe he would act differently if released now,” she argued, warning that he remains a flight risk and a danger to others. She emphasized that the conviction points to a pattern of behavior involving escort arrangements and physical abuse, which she contended the defense was trying to downplay.

According to Comey, Combs could face up to 20 years behind bars.

The court set a 1:00 PM deadline for attorneys to submit their arguments regarding Combs’ release. Proceedings will resume in the afternoon.

At one point, when the judge brought up the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC), Combs reacted strongly. He shook his head and clasped his hands together in a prayerful gesture, pleading with the judge. The judge replied, “You’re going to have to cool your heels in the courthouse for a while.”

The core of the conviction involved Combs organizing flights for girlfriends and male sex workers around the country to engage in sexual activities, which is an offense under the Mann Act. The jury, composed of eight men and four women, found him not guilty of the racketeering and trafficking charges. These charges had accused him of using his wealth, status, and physical intimidation to manipulate women into participating in repeated drug-laced sexual episodes.

Combs and his legal team maintained throughout the trial that the women were not victims but willing partners. They argued that even his admitted violence did not rise to the level of the criminal charges brought against him.