Hollywood is speaking up a storm now {that a} closing verdict has been handed down within the months-long intercourse trafficking and racketeering trial of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. On July 2, a jury unanimously acquitted the 55-year-old hip-hop mogul of racketeering conspiracy and two severe fees of intercourse trafficking by drive, fraud, or coercion — regardless of disturbing testimony involving alleged sexual abuse, drug-fueled episodes throughout his notorious “freak offs.”
Nevertheless, jurors did convict the “All About The Benjamins” rapper on two lesser fees — Counts 3 and 5 — for violating the Mann Act by transporting people throughout state strains to have interaction in prostitution. Jurors sided with prosecutors’ claims that Combs paid male escorts to journey across the nation and interact in intercourse along with his girlfriends, in response to NBC Information.
MUST SEE: The Diddy Trial: In Footage
In reaching a not-guilty verdict on Counts 2 and 4 — which concerned allegations of intercourse trafficking by former girlfriend Cassie Ventura and an nameless lady known as “Jane” — jurors concluded there wasn’t ample proof to show past an inexpensive doubt that the ladies had been coerced or compelled into sexual acts. Each fees carried necessary minimal sentences of 15 years, with the potential for all times in jail, making the acquittal a major authorized win for Combs.
Celebs react to the decision.
Rapper 50 Cent—who has been opinionated in regards to the intense trial from the beginning— was the primary to share his ideas on the decision through Instagram on Wednesday.
“Diddy beat the Feds that boy a foul man !” the 49-year-old rapper and entrepreneur penned, attaching a number of clapping emojis alongside along with his message. “Beat the Rico, he the Homosexual John Gotti @50centaction.”
Notably, Yung Miami, the Dangerous Boy Data CEO’s former girlfriend, additionally took to Instagram shortly after the choice was made public with a video of Justin Bieber pinching his fingers collectively. It’s unclear if the put up was meant to function a response to the information.
Aubrey O’Day, a former member of Danity Kane and one in every of Combs’ previous artists, expressed frustration over the choice. The 41-year-old star mentioned she felt “bodily ailing” upon studying that the embattled music mogul would stroll away with out conviction on the intercourse trafficking and racketeering fees.
“Cassie in all probability feels so horrible,” the singer mentioned full of emotion, in a video posted to her Instagram Story.
Nevertheless, the decision was met with celebration by Lil Boosie, who referred to as it a “nice day in hip-hop.”
“Man I’m so glad Diddy Free,” the 42-year-old rap star mentioned in a video put up shared to Instagram. “The reason being, I’m so bored with seeing us Black moguls get took down… And I’m bored with seeing us Black individuals go in opposition to us Black moguls.”
The Baton Rouge-based hitmaker mentioned he was enthusiastic about Diddy’s kids and the worry they could have about as we speak’s verdict.
“Not understanding in case your daddy is gon’ come house is a burden on the kid,” he added.
Cassie’s lawyer speaks on the decision.
Douglas H. Wigdor, the legal professional for Cassie, spoke with Selection shortly after the decision and praised the singer for bravely coming ahead along with her explosive 2023 lawsuit, the criticism that finally laid the groundwork for the trial.
“Though the jury didn’t discover Combs responsible of intercourse trafficking Cassie past an inexpensive doubt, she paved the best way for a jury to seek out him responsible of transportation to have interaction in prostitution. By coming ahead along with her expertise, Cassie has left an indelible mark on each the leisure trade and the struggle for justice,” Wigdor mentioned. “We should repeat – with no reservation – that we imagine and help our shopper who confirmed exemplary braveness all through this trial. She displayed unquestionable energy and introduced consideration to the realities of highly effective males in our orbit and the misconduct that has persevered for many years with out repercussion. This case proved that change is lengthy overdue, and we’ll proceed to struggle on behalf of survivors.”
Combs is now awaiting sentencing for the 2 transportation convictions, with every depend carrying a possible sentence of as much as 10 years behind bars.
DON’T MISS…
5 Nontraditional Media Personalities Masking The Diddy Trial
Biggie’s Mom Voletta Wallace Desires To ‘Slap The Daylight’ Out Of Diddy
Celebrities React To The Diddy Verdict
was initially printed on
hellobeautiful.com