Sean “Diddy” Combs’ entire family erupted in applause as the verdict was read in his federal racketeering and sex trafficking trial, while the music mogul appeared to mouth “Thank you” to the jury.
Just before 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 2, the jury sent a note to Judge Arun Subramanian confirming they had reached a decision. Around 25 minutes later, the twelve jurors—who had seemed deadlocked the day before—returned to the courtroom, and the foreperson delivered the verdict.
Gasps rippled through the room when the jury announced a not guilty verdict on the racketeering conspiracy charge. That reaction grew louder when the second count—sex trafficking of Cassie Ventura—also came back not guilty.
As the verdicts were read, Combs nodded toward his family, while longtime attorney Teny Geragos was seen wiping tears with a tissue. When it became clear that Diddy had only been convicted on two Mann Act violations, he looked toward the jury, made a prayer-hand gesture, and silently mouthed, “Thank you.”
Attorney Anna Estevao broke into tears, and all seven members of Combs’ legal team exchanged emotional hugs. Diddy also raised a fist as the verdict was announced.
Right after the verdict was read, Diddy’s lead attorney Marc Agnifilo requested his release on a $1 million bond. Lead prosecutor Maureen Comey pushed back hard, citing Combs’ history of domestic abuse and drug use, and stated that prosecutors would seek the full 20-year sentence.
Comey argued that Combs continued engaging in “freak offs” and drug use even after learning he was under federal investigation, showing what she called a blatant “disrespect for the law.” She added that when Combs was preparing to turn himself in last year, authorities found drugs and supplies for his infamous sexual encounters in his New York hotel room.
As Diddy was escorted to a private room to await the judge’s decision on bail, his family and supporters broke into applause. Moments later, after he left the courtroom, another round of cheers erupted.
A ruling on whether Combs will be granted bail is expected Wednesday afternoon, following the submission of arguments from both sides.
