Diddy denied bail after being found guilty on 2 out of 5 counts in sex trafficking and prostitution case
Sean 'Diddy' Combs has been denied bail by Judge Arun Subramanian after being found guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
The rapper will remain in custody while he awaits his sentence.
Judge Subramanian cited Combs’ history of violence as a factor towards the decision to keep the music mogul behind bars until he is sentenced.
CBS News reports the judge has proposed October 3 for when Combs will be sentenced.
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The jury in New York finally reached a verdict on Wednesday (July 2) following the sex trafficking and prostitution trial which has been ongoing for two months.
They found Combs guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. He has, however, been found not guilty of two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and one count of racketeering conspiracy.
In full, the five counts were as follows:
- Count 1: Racketeering conspiracy
- Count 2: Sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion – pertains to Victim 1 (Cassie)
- Count 3: Transportation to engage in prostitution – pertains to Victim 1 (Cassie) and commercial sex workers
- Count 4: Sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion – pertains to Victim 2 (“Jane”)
- Count 5: Transportation to engage in prostitution – pertains to Victim 2 (“Jane”) and commercial sex workers
CNN reports Combs was apparently sat with his hands clasped in his lap when the reading of the verdict began in court earlier on Wednesday.
His head was in his hands upon the first 'not guilty' verdict being reached out, while CNN says he did a 'subtle fist pump' when he was acquitted for the second of the two sex trafficking charges.
Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo argued in favor of releasing Combs prior to sentencing, to which the judge asked, “Mr. Combs does not want to go back to the MDC?” — a reference to New York City’s Metropolitan Detention Center.
It is reported that Combs vigorously shook his head 'no' and made prayer hands.
Following the verdict, Cassie Ventura's team have spoken out, after Combs' former partner testified against the rapper earlier on in the trial.
She detailed her experience of the alleged 'freak off' parties and the abuse she claims to have suffered at the hands of Combs.
Following Wednesday's verdict, Cassie's lawyer Douglas H Wigdor told Sky News: "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."
Topics: Diddy, Sex Trafficking, Crime
Callum Jones