Sean 'Diddy' To Remain In Jail Despite Being Acquitted Of Sex Trafficking Charges
Combs was found guilty of lesser charges related to transporting individuals for prostitution, stemming from a trial exposing drug-fueled sexual encounters and alleged coercion.
American musician Sean “Diddy” Combs will stay behind bars for now, despite being cleared of the most serious charges against him, after a federal judge in New York denied him bail on Wednesday.
Combs, who once dominated the hip-hop scene and luxury party circuit, was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges that carried the possibility of a life sentence. However, a jury found him guilty of lesser offences tied to transporting individuals for prostitution.
Rejecting a bid for Combs’ release, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian said the government had shown compelling evidence that the 54-year-old entrepreneur had engaged in violent behaviour and remained a danger if released ahead of sentencing, reported Reuters.
“It is impossible for the defendant to demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that he poses no danger,” Subramanian declared during the hearing in Manhattan federal court, held just hours after the verdict came in.
The high-profile, seven-week trial peeled back layers of the artist’s private life, focusing on claims that Combs coerced two of his former partners into drug-fuelled, days-long sexual encounters — referred to in court as “Freak Offs” — with male sex workers in hotel rooms. According to testimony, Combs allegedly watched, masturbated, and at times filmed the encounters.
Two women — rhythm and blues singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, and another woman identified only as “Jane” — testified that Combs physically assaulted them and threatened to cut off financial support or release sexually explicit images if they refused to participate.
As the judge delivered his decision on bail, Combs stared ahead in silence, while a family member sitting behind him lowered their head, visibly distressed.
The atmosphere in court marked a stark contrast to the moment of partial victory earlier in the day. Moments after the jury delivered its verdict, Combs turned to his supporters with a hopeful message.
“I’m gonna be home soon,” he told the courtroom, sparking applause and cheers from family and friends. “Thank you, I love you.”
The jury, made up of 12 members, unanimously acquitted Combs on charges of racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking involving Ventura and Jane. A conviction on those charges could have meant spending the rest of his life behind bars.
Throughout the proceedings, Combs maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to all five counts.
Speaking to reporters after court, defence lawyer Marc Agnifilo hailed the verdict as a significant triumph. “It’s a great victory for Sean Combs, it’s a great victory for the jury system,” he said.
Once celebrated for his lavish parties in exclusive destinations like the Hamptons and Saint-Tropez, Combs now faces sentencing on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, leaving his future hanging in the balance.
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