A witness inside the courtroom in New York has revealed the shocking way Diddy reacted as he was found guilty on two of five counts in his highly-publicised trial.
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.
The criminal case built against Diddy - real name Sean Combs - included one charge of racketeering conspiracy, plus two charges of both sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution.
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
The jury 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.
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As per CNN, 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 hand 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.
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It is reported that Combs vigorously nodded his head 'no' and made prayer hands.
Meanwhile, Courthouse News reports Combs was 'pumping his fists and nodding' while the verdict was being read out by the jury.
Following the verdict, Cassie Ventura's team have spoken out, after Combs' former partner testified against the rapper earlier on in the trial.
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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.
"By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has 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."
Callum Jones