A verdict has been rendered in the federal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, as a jury found him guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution but exonerated him on the more serious charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. That means Diddy will not be facing the life sentence he otherwise could have received. There have been many opinions following the decision, and one juror spoke out regarding accusations that Diddy’s fame played into the verdict.
That juror, who asked to remain anonymous, spoke to ABC News after a legal pundit theorized that the music mogul’s celebrity influenced the jury to find him not guilty of the more serious charges he faced. The juror didn’t hold back, responding:
I found that statement highly insulting and belittling to the jury and the deliberation process.
Jurors spent over six weeks hearing the testimony of 34 witnesses to learn details like why Diddy needed 1,000 bottles of baby oil and first-hand accounts of what allegedly happened at the now-infamous “freak-offs.” Following the mixed verdict, the juror defending the work they did, saying:
We spent over two days deliberating. Our decision was based solely on the evidence presented and how the law is stated. We would have treated any defendant in the same manner regardless of who they are. I have nothing else to say.
Sean Combs faces a maximum prison sentence of 20 years on the counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, but experts say he’ll likely serve only a fraction of that. Judge Arun Subramania denied the defense’s request to release Diddy from custody as he awaits sentencing, citing his legal team’s own admission of violence.
P. Diddy’s former chef wrote a letter to the judge, saying she feared for her safety if and when the rapper is released from prison. The legal team for Cassie Ventura — Diddy’s ex-girlfriend whose testimony was vital to the prosecution — also told the judge she could be at risk if he were freed.
Meanwhile, Big Homie — one of Diddy’s former bodyguards — has left the United States “indefinitely.” Homie says he knows he’s going to be "target No. 1” and that there have already been “adequate and imminent threats" to his life.
Sentencing for Sean Combs has been set for October 3, but a remote meeting will be held this week to discuss expediting the process. Regardless of what happens during this next phase of Diddy’s legal situation on the federal level, the rapper is still facing dozens of civil lawsuits, including one new suit for millions of dollars on accusations including sexual battery, assault and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
The nameless juror maintains that they rendered a decision based on the testimony that was given and by definition of the law, not based on the level of his celebrity. Even with being exonerated on charges of racketeering and sex trafficking, it sounds like Diddy’s legal troubles are far from over. Stay tuned for what comes next.
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