Sean 'Diddy' Combs verdict live updates: Jury convicts Combs of 2 counts in sex trafficking trial
Combs was acquitted of three other charges. He denied all the allegations against him.
Sean “Diddy” Combs was convicted of a prostitution-related offense but acquitted Wednesday of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have put one of hip-hop’s most celebrated figures behind bars for life.
The mixed result came on the third day of deliberations. It could still send Combs, 55, to prison for as long as a decade, and is likely to end his career as a hitmaking music executive, fashion entrepreneur, brand ambassador and reality TV star.
What to know about the case:
The charges: Combs pleaded not guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Seven weeks into the trial, prosecutors dropped theories of attempted arson and kidnapping to streamline their racketeering conspiracy count.
The arguments: Prosecutors called 34 witnesses since the trial’s start in early May, including two ex-girlfriends of Combs who testified they felt coerced into marathon sex events with male sex workers that were called “freak-offs” or “hotel nights.” Jurors were shown about 20 minutes of video recordings from the dayslong events. Defense lawyers, though, say they were consensual sexual encounters consistent with the swingers lifestyle.
The star witness: R&B singer Cassie recounted a turbulent 10-year relationship with Combs that she said was consumed by violence and his obsession with a form of voyeurism. Combs chose not to testify.