Music icon and entertainment mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has been found guilty of two federal counts related to the transportation for purposes of prostitution, while being cleared of the most serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, according to a federal court decision on Wednesday.
Each conviction could carry up to 10 years in prison, and prosecutors have already announced they’ll push for a heavy sentence.
The courtroom grew tense as the verdict was read. Diddy reportedly dropped to his knees, placed his hands on his chair, and began to pray. Moments later, cheers erupted from his legal team and family members who viewed the partial acquittal as a significant win.
Combs’ legal team argued for his immediate release, stating that this is his first conviction and requesting that he return to his Miami home while awaiting sentencing. But federal prosecutors fired back, insisting that Combs remain behind bars until sentencing is complete.
Judge Arun Subramanian didn’t make an immediate decision. Instead, he ordered both sides to file formal requests and said court would reconvene at 1 PM ET to determine whether Diddy stays locked up or walks free for now.