Sean “Diddy” Combs will keep behind bars after a federal jury discovered him responsible on two counts of transporting ladies for prostitution. The decision got here late Wednesday in a Manhattan courtroom after seven weeks of trial and 13 hours of deliberation. Though he was cleared of intercourse trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, which may have introduced a life sentence, the consequence has deeply shaken the music business and put his legacy in deep trouble.
Prosecutors described Combs as somebody who used his music empire not only for enterprise however to cover prison actions. They claimed he ran Unhealthy Boy Information and different corporations like a criminal offense community, utilizing cash and fame to cowl up abuse, threats and manipulation. Key testimonies got here from singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura and one other girl recognized as “Jane” who each gave disturbing accounts of what they went by means of with Combs.
Ventura informed the courtroom she was raped by Combs in 2018, usually crushed in lodge corridors and compelled into drug-fuelled intercourse acts whereas he watched and recorded. CCTV footage from 2016 confirmed Combs dragging her by means of a lodge hallway. She stated her mom paid him 20,000 {dollars} to cease harassing her over her relationship with rapper Child Cudi. Child Cudi, whose actual title is Scott Mescudi, testified that Combs as soon as broke into his home and that his automotive was later “torched with a molotov cocktail.” Jane stated she was pressured into intercourse acts underneath threats that non-public movies could be leaked, or monetary assist could be taken away. She additionally claimed Combs attacked her once more in June 2024 whereas he was underneath investigation.
Though the jury didn’t convict him of intercourse trafficking as a result of US regulation requires proof of coercion, they discovered him responsible of arranging journey throughout states for paid intercourse. Choose Arun Subramanian denied Combs’s bail request saying, “It’s unattainable for the defendant to exhibit by clear and convincing proof that he poses no hazard.“ Prosecutor Maurene Comey informed the courtroom, “He’s an especially violent man with a very harmful mood who has proven no regret.” After the decision Combs turned to his household and stated, “I’m gonna be house quickly. I really like you. Thanks. I really like you.” Sentencing is ready for October 3 however the date could also be moved earlier.
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