Jurors gave the final verdict today after seven weeks of evidence
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has been found guilty of transportation for prostitution, but has been cleared on other charges.
The jury found Combs not guilty on one count of racketeering and two counts of sex trafficking, while he was found guilty on two counts of transportation for prostitution.
The jurors’ verdict reads:
- Not guilty of Count 1: Racketeering conspiracy
- Not guilty of Count 2: Sex-trafficking of Cassie Ventura
- Guilty of Count 3: Transportation for prostitution of Cassie and others
- Not Guilty of Count 4: Sex-trafficking of Jane*
- Guilty of Count 5: Transportation for prostitution of Jane and others
Comb’s defence lawyers told the court in their closing statement that this was a “fake trial” in which his unusual sexual preferences had been unfairly criminalised.
Lead counsel Marc Agnifilo said Comb’s private sex life and consensual “swinger” lifestyle had been turned into a “crime scene”.
Meanwhile, the closing statement from the prosecution heavily criticised the music mogul and his “criminal enterprise”.
Prosecutor Christy Slavik told the court that Combs led a criminal enterprise for two decades, using “power, violence and fear” to carry out brutal crimes
He added that Comb’s believed his “fame, wealth and power” put him above the law.
She spoke for nearly five hours, accusing Combs of leading a criminal enterprise.
Combs now faces up to 20 years in prison after being found guilty on transporting male escorts for sex sessions with former girlfriends.
The trial against Combs began on 12 May, eight months after he was first arrested.
Many people have testified in the Manhattan court, including his former girlfriend Casandra ‘Cassie’ Ventura.
The music mogul was facing charges of racketeering as well as two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
Separately, Combs still faces a number of civil lawsuits accusing him of rape and assault.
