Sean 'Diddy' Combs not guilty of sex trafficking, convicted on lesser charge

Sean 'Diddy Combs' was convicted of a prostitution-related felony but acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have led to a life sentence.

In Short

• Sean "Diddy" Combs was convicted of a felony under the Mann Act
• He was acquitted of more serious charges including sex trafficking and racketeering
• The conviction could lead to up to 10 years in prison

Sean 'Diddy' Combs was convicted on Wednesday of a prostitution-related felony but cleared of far more serious sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have led to a life sentence. The verdict came after three days of jury deliberation and marks a dramatic turning point for one of hip-hop’s most influential figures.

According to a report by the Associated Press, the 55-year-old music mogul was found guilty of violating the federal Mann Act, which prohibits transporting individuals across state lines for illegal sexual activity. Prosecutors alleged that Combs arranged for people, including his girlfriends and paid male sex workers, to travel across the country for sexual encounters. The charge carries a maximum prison sentence of up to 10 years.

However, Combs was acquitted of the more severe charges, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. These accusations were tied to claims that he manipulated women into participating in drug-fuelled sex marathons by using his wealth, status, and alleged physical intimidation. A jury of eight men and four women found there wasn’t enough evidence to convict on those counts.

Throughout the trial, Combs and his defense team maintained that the relationships were consensual and that none of his actions rose to the level of the serious criminal accusations he faced. They argued the prosecution exaggerated the allegations, and that while Combs may have engaged in controversial behaviour, it did not amount to federal crimes.

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