Hot SourceSean “Diddy” Combs received a standing ovation from fellow inmates after returning to a Brooklyn federal jail last week, following a high-profile acquittal on sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges.
According to his lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, the applause reflected a rare courtroom outcome: “They all said: ‘We never get to see anyone who beats the government.’”
On July 2, a Manhattan jury found Combs not guilty of charges that carried the possibility of life in prison. He was, however, convicted of lesser prostitution-related offences and remains in custody.
The 55-year-old artist has already served nearly 10 months, and his final sentence is expected to include time served.
The trial, which spanned two months, featured testimony from over thirty witnesses, including former staff and associates.
Combs’ defence team, led by eight lawyers, did not call any witnesses but focused instead on undermining the prosecution’s narrative. The jury was told that Combs’ personal behaviour—while questionable—did not meet the legal definition of sex trafficking.
The verdict surprised even his legal team, who had braced for the worst after jurors initially appeared deadlocked.
When the final decision was announced, Sean “Diddy” Combs mouthed “thank you” to jurors as supporters in the courtroom cheered.
Back in custody, Combs has reportedly continued self-reflection. His lawyer shared that he intends to resume a domestic abusers programme he began before his arrest.
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