A juror from Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial is pushing back against claims that the rapper’s fame played a role in his partial acquittal.
Speaking anonymously to ABC News, the juror dismissed the idea that celebrity status influenced the outcome. “We spent over two days deliberating. Our decision was based solely on the evidence presented and how the law is stated,” they said. “We would have treated any defendant in the same manner regardless of who they are. I have nothing else to say.”
Combs was convicted on two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution but was cleared on more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. The 55-year-old mogul has remained in custody since his September 2024 arrest, and despite the prosecution’s request for a $1 million bond and a passport surrender, Judge Arun Subramanian denied bail.
According to The Associated Press, Diddy faces up to 10 years in prison, though his defense believes the judge may hand down a lighter two-year sentence. With credit for time served, Combs could potentially walk free as early as 2026.
Outside the courthouse, one of Diddy’s attorneys, Anna Estevao, called the verdict a major victory: “This is a huge win. He was acquitted of sex trafficking, acquitted of RICO conspiracy. He will be able to sleep well at night knowing that.”
