After eight weeks of trial and 34 witnesses, Sean “Diddy” Combs’ criminal case is drawing to a close.
A verdict has been reached: Combs is guilty of transportation for prostitution of ex-girlfriends Cassie and Jane, and not guilty on the more serious charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.
Judge Arun Subramanian denied him bail.
Supporters waiting to see him walk out of court were left disappointed, and he will be returning to a Brooklyn jail.
He now faces 20 years in prison, and he’s expected to be sentenced on 3 October.
The last few weeks, we have witnessed the gradual undoing of one of hip hop’s biggest icons. Taking the stand were his ex-girlfriends, Cassie Ventura and an anonymous “Jane” who said they were physically brutalised and forced into sex acts by Combs.
We also heard from celebrities like Kid Cudi and Dawn Richard. Others, still, hotel workers, assistants, and makeup artists, say they found themselves wrapped up in his world – one they say was fuelled by drugs and violence.
The rapper had admitted to domestic violence, but always denied any non-consensual sexual encounters or a larger racketeering scheme.
We’re closing this page now, but we will continue to cover the proceedings in this case, including the sentencing.
