**Diddy** Verdict: Supporters Celebrate; Abuse Advocates Decry
After a mixed verdict in the federal trial of **Sean “Diddy” Combs**, supporters celebrated outside the courthouse, while organizations supporting victims of sexual abuse voiced disappointment. The jury found **Combs** guilty on two counts but acquitted him on others.
Jury Delivers Split Decision
The jury, comprised of eight men and four women, found **Sean “Diddy” Combs** guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, but not guilty on two counts of sex trafficking and one count of racketeering conspiracy. Legal experts suggest the outcome was favorable for **Combs**, short of a full acquittal.
Celebration Outside Courthouse
Dozens of supporters gathered outside the Manhattan courthouse, chanting **Combs’s** name as his family exited the building. “Let **Puffy** go!”
they chanted, while others shouted, “Not guilty!”
Music filled the air, including *Diddy Free*, a track by **King Combs** and **Ye** (formerly **Kanye West**). Some supporters celebrated by handing out and applying baby oil, a substance mentioned during the trial in connection to alleged drug-fueled sex parties.
As the crowd grew, the New York Police Department increased its presence. One supporter held up a **Sean John** T-shirt, while others wore shirts reading, “Freako is not a Rico.”
Reactions to Verdict
Organizations supporting victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence expressed their disappointment with the verdict. UltraViolet, a women’s rights organization, stated the verdict “threatens to undo the sacrifice of courageous survivors.”
“Today’s verdict is not just a stain on a criminal justice system that for decades has failed to hold accountable abusers like **Diddy**, it’s also an indictment of a culture in which not believing women and victims of sexual assault remains endemic,”
—UltraViolet, Women’s Rights Organization
More than 50 members of the media covered the verdict. The attorney for **Casandra “Cassie” Ventura**, **Combs’s** former girlfriend and a key witness, said they were pleased **Combs** was “finally being held accountable,”
even though they would have preferred convictions on the sex crimes and RICO charges. According to a 2023 study by the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), only 5 out of every 1,000 perpetrators of sexual assault are incarcerated (RAINN).
Legal Details and Next Steps
**Combs**, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for each count of transportation to engage in prostitution. He has remained incarcerated without bail since his arrest in September. A bail hearing is scheduled for later today.
“I hope he gets released today!”
one supporter exclaimed.
