By Kamal Yalwa–New York, USA In a dramatic courtroom moment on Wednesday, music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges by a New York jury, bringing an emotional close to a high-profile federal trial that has gripped the entertainment world for months. The verdict, delivered shortly after 10:00am local time, saw 12 jurors clear Combs of the most serious charges, concluding that he did not operate a criminal enterprise or engage in sex trafficking involving former girlfriends and associates. However, the jury found him guilty of the lesser charge of transporting individuals for prostitution, leaving Combs partially convicted and still facing prison time. Dressed in an off-white sweater and trousers, Combs reacted with overwhelming emotion as the verdicts were read. Upon hearing the first “not guilty” for racketeering, he bowed his head in silence. When the jury acquitted him of sex trafficking, he held his head in his hands, visibly overcome. Once the verdict was finalized, Combs made a prayer gesture toward the jury and his family — including his twin daughters, sons, and 85-year-old mother — and appeared to mouth the words: “I’m coming home.” His legal team, led by attorneys Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos, swiftly urged the court to release Combs on the basis of the acquittal on the most severe charges. Agnifilo noted that Combs’ plane was chartered and currently in Maui, suggesting he had no intention of fleeing. “Mr. Combs has been given his life back by this jury,” Agnifilo said. “He will not run afoul of anything this court imposes on him.” Despite their efforts, Judge Arun Subramanian denied Combs bail during a subsequent hearing that same afternoon, ruling that the hip-hop entrepreneur would remain in federal custody until his sentencing later this year. Outside the courthouse in Manhattan, supporters chanted “Free Diddy!” as news of the partial acquittal spread. Inside, celebrations erupted among Combs’ legal team and family, with hugs and tears marking a moment of relief — if not full vindication. The split verdict highlights the challenges of prosecuting cases involving celebrity, coercion, and long-term abuse, particularly in the aftermath of the #MeToo era. While Combs was cleared of organizing sex-trafficking operations, the conviction for prostitution transport still carries a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years per count. Diddy will remain in custody at a Brooklyn federal facility until sentencing, expected later in 2025. Ask ChatGPT
