Diddy Jailed Despite Acquittal on Sex Trafficking Charges
In a stunning turn of events, **Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs**, though cleared of sex trafficking and racketeering, will remain in custody. The music mogul was found guilty of lesser prostitution-related offenses, leading to the judge’s decision.
Bail Denied, “Danger” Cited
Rejecting the defense’s plea for bail, U.S. District Judge **Arun Subramanian** stated that prosecutors presented sufficient evidence during **Combs’s** trial indicating a propensity for violence. This, the judge reasoned, necessitates his continued detention pending sentencing for the two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
It is impossible for the defendant to demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that he poses no danger,”
Judge **Subramanian** asserted during the Manhattan federal court hearing.
Trial Highlights Disturbing Allegations
The seven-week trial centered on claims that **Combs** coerced two former girlfriends into participating in drug-fueled sexual encounters, sometimes referred to as “Freak Offs,” with male sex workers in hotel rooms while he observed. The women involved alleged abuse and threats.
Reactions to the Ruling
While bail was denied, **Combs** stared ahead, and a family member visibly reacted with dismay. This contrasts with the earlier jubilation following the initial verdict, where **Combs** expressed optimism about returning home soon, drawing cheers from his family.
Jury’s Decision and Legal Perspectives
A unanimous jury acquitted **Combs** of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking involving **Casandra “Cassie” Ventura** and a woman known as ‘Jane.’ Had he been convicted on those charges, he could have faced life imprisonment. Despite the remaining charges, defense lawyer **Marc Agnifilo** hailed the verdict as “a great victory for **Sean Combs**, it’s a great victory for the jury system.”
Sentencing and Potential Penalties
Facing up to ten years in prison on each prostitution count, legal experts suggest a lighter sentence is possible. While prosecutors acknowledged sentencing guidelines could recommend around five years, **Combs’s** legal team believes two years to be more likely. The judge proposed a sentencing date of October 3rd, pending consideration of an earlier date request from the defense.
Prosecution’s Argument Against Bail
Prosecutors argued against bail, emphasizing **Combs’s** potential danger. They referenced trial testimony from ‘Jane’ alleging an assault in June 2024, while **Combs** was aware of the ongoing investigation. “He’s an extremely violent man with an extraordinarily dangerous temper who has shown no remorse,”
prosecutor **Maurene Comey** stated.
Civil Lawsuits Loom
**Combs** continues to face numerous civil lawsuits accusing him of abuse. A lawsuit filed by **Ms. Ventura** in November 2023, alleging sex trafficking, was settled a day later for $20 million. The prevalence of sexual harassment in the workplace, even outside of these kinds of relationships, is far too common, with one study estimating that 81% of women and 43% of men report experiencing some form of it (Stop Street Harassment, 2021).
**Combs** has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Following the verdict, **Ms. Ventura’s** lawyer, **Douglas Wigdor**, claimed she had “paved the way”
for **Combs’s** conviction on the prostitution counts.
