Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial updates: Bail denied due to 'propensity for violence'
Combs was convicted of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
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Read ongoing updates in the trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs.
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Key Headlines
Sean Combs trial reaches an end with mixed verdict
The highly anticipated trial of hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs has reached an end.
The jury found Sean Combs not guilty of racketeering conspiracy, the most serious charge.
The jury found Combs guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution (in connection with his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura) and guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution (in connection with his ex-girlfriend who testified under the pseudonym "Jane").
He was found not guilty of both charges of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion in connection with Ventura and "Jane."
Combs was accused of being the ringleader of an alleged enterprise that "abused, threatened and coerced women" into prolonged, drug-fueled sexual orgies with male prostitutes, which he called "freak-offs," and then threatened them into silence. Combs has said that all of the sex was consensual and that while his relationships sometimes involved domestic violence, he wasn't engaged in trafficking.
Combs' lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, said Combs was simply part of the swinger lifestyle and that he "vehemently denies the accusations made by the SDNY."
Combs says, ‘I’m coming home, baby!’
When the verdict was read, Sean Combs pumped his fist slightly when he heard he was found not guilty of racketeering conspiracy, the most serious charge. Combs continued to look straight ahead as the remaining verdicts were read. When he heard the first guilty verdict he rubbed his forehead.
There was very little reaction from Combs’ family as the verdict was read. His son Justin leaned down and put his head in his lap while others looked straight ahead. Dana Tran, the mother of his youngest child, was in tears.
As each juror confirmed that the verdict read was accurate, Combs nodded his head and mouthed “thank you” to each of them.
When the verdict was done being confirmed and the judge gave the jurors instructions, Combs turned in his seat to his family and said, “I’m coming home, baby! I’m coming home!”
As the jury left the courtroom, Combs clasped his hands in front of his chest and again mouthed, “thank you.”
Combs kneeled on the ground and appeared to pray briefly after the jury was out of the room.
After the judge left the bench, the defense team hugged and congratulated each other and the Combs family broke into applause. One person exclaimed the defense attorneys were the “dream team.”
As Combs left the courtroom he said to his family, “I love you, I’ma be home soon.”
As Combs' family celebrated on the New York City streets, Combs' son Christian Combs said, "We’re so happy -- Pops is coming home."
-ABC News’ Tonya Simpson
Cassie Ventura’s attorney speaks out
The attorney for Cassie Ventura, Sean Combs' ex-girlfriend and a witness in the case, said in a statement, “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,” attorney Douglas Wigdor said.
“We believe and support our client who showed exemplary courage throughout this trial. She displayed unquestionable strength and brought attention to the realities of powerful men in our orbit and the misconduct that has persisted for decades without repercussion,” he said. “This case proved that change is long overdue, and we will continue to fight on behalf of survivors."
Wigdor said outside court that Ventura is “pleased that he's found guilty and held responsible to federal crimes, something that he's never been held responsible in his entire life. She's happy.”
“I feel confident in saying he still faces substantial incarceration,” Wigdor added.
Combs kneels on floor, appearing to pray
As court was adjourned, Sean Combs got down from his chair and kneeled on the floor, appearing to pray. Some of his lawyers hugged each other and a massive round of applause and cheers broke out in the gallery.
Marshals then escorted him out of the room to another round of applause.
Possible sentence
Each charge of transportation to engage in prostitution carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
Assistant United States Attorney Maurene Ryan Comey said the government plans to pursue “significant incarceration” for Sean Combs.
Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo said Combs should be released today.
“I am not saying it is not a serious crime. It is a crime of a vastly different nature,” he said. “I believe that a significant change in conditions is warranted.”
Combs has already served about one year while awaiting trial.