Sean 'Diddy' Combs Found Guilty of Prostitution Charges, Cleared of Sex Trafficking

Rapper Sean 'Diddy' Combs has been found guilty of two counts of transportation for prostitution but acquitted of three charges of sex trafficking and one of extortion, according to 'Variety'.

Despite the possibility of facing decades in prison, the atmosphere among the defence was celebratory, with the cited media noting that "this was the best outcome for Combs." Following the verdict, Combs clenched his fist and thanked the jurors. Several family members, including his children and mother, were present at the trial and celebrated the news.

"He appeared relieved and overjoyed, shaking hands with his lawyers, looking at his family, and initiating a round of applause," stated the local media.

The jury delivered its verdict on Wednesday after an eight-week trial in which 34 witnesses testified against the hip-hop singer and Bad Boy Records founder, who was accused of two counts of sex trafficking, two counts of transportation for prostitution, and one count of extortion.

Combs was accused of forcing several women into casual encounters: multi-day drug-fueled sex marathons. Additionally, his former partner Casandra Ventura claimed he assaulted and psychologically abused her.

Furthermore, he was accused of being the leader of a criminal organization, with prosecutors alleging that his inner circle of security guards and staff helped him commit crimes (including sex trafficking, drug distribution, arson, and bribery) and cover them up. However, the defence argued that Combs was involved in a swinger lifestyle and that his drug-fueled sex parties, known as "freak-offs," were entirely consensual.

Combs' lawyers refuted the organized crime accusation, arguing that Combs had no accomplice and that, for instance, his personal assistants were unaware they were committing crimes when they collected drugs and delivered them. They also maintain that the women involved in the sex parties participated voluntarily and that, although there may have been questionable or violent behaviour, it did not justify the severity of the charges brought against him.