Editor’s Note: This story contains discussions of rape or sexual assault that may be disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, you can find help and discreet resources on the National Sexual Assault Hotline website or by calling 1-800-656-4673.
(NewsNation) — Sean “Diddy” Combs has been found not guilty of sex trafficking and racketeering but convicted for two counts of transportation for prostitution.
Combs has been convicted of charges related to transporting of his former girlfriends Casandra “Cassie” Ventura and a woman who testified under the pseudonym “Jane” in court in his federal sex crimes trial.
Ventura’s attorney, Douglas Wigdor, provided a statement to NewsNation, “This entire criminal process started when our client Cassie Ventura had the courage to file her civil complaint in November 2023. Although the jury did not find Combs guilty of sex trafficking Cassie beyond a reasonable doubt, she paved the way for a jury to find him guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution.
Wigdor continued that Ventura left ” an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice.”
“We must repeat – with no reservation – that we believe and support our client who showed exemplary courage throughout this trial. She displayed unquestionable strength and brought attention to the realities of powerful men in our orbit and the misconduct that has persisted for decades without repercussion. This case proved that change is long overdue, and we will continue to fight on behalf of survivors.”
Dawn Richard’s attorney: Diddy a ‘violent bully’
Lisa Bloom, a victims’ rights attorney representing former Danity Kane member, Dawn Richard, who served as a government witness told NewsNation immediately after the Combs verdict was reached on Wednesday, that it is “a shocking outcome against a violent bully. I will only work harder for the two Diddy accusers I represent with different civil charges against him.”
Arick Fudali, who works with The Bloom Firm, told NewsNation, “We are certainly disappointed that the government could not prove their primary claims beyond a reasonable doubt. While this is the end of the criminal case against for the government, this is just the beginning for our clients in their civil cases, which are different than the criminal case. We intend to fight for justice against this violent individual and will not back down. I hope this is not a deterrent to other victims who are currently suffering in silence to stand up and come forward against their alleged abusers.”
Tamara Holder, a Chicago-based women’s rights and sexual abuse attorney, spoke to NewsNation who explaining that the “Mann Act is the weakest count – he took the girlfriends across state lines, hence a federal charge. Sentencing is going to be interesting. He can be sentenced to up to ten years, but this was a major loss for the prosecution, so he may get a deferred sentence if the sentencing guidelines allow for it. Epic loss for the government.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey said in court that “Mr. Agnifilo [Combs’ lawyer] tried to downplay the significance” regarding the charges, “but the record says otherwise.”
50 Cent reacts to Diddy verdict
The outspoken rapper has been posting his thoughts throughout the Combs trial on social med. On Wednesday he shared on Instagram a smiling A.I. image of himself with the caption that read in part: Diddy beat the Feds that boy a bad man ! 👏👏👏 beat the Rico.”
Combs’ family applauded in the courtroom after the verdict was reached.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
