American rap icon Sean Combs, widely known by his stage name Diddy, has been acquitted of major sex trafficking charges but convicted on two lesser counts of transporting individuals for prostitution.
On July 2, a federal jury found Diddy guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, each carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. However, he was cleared of the more severe charges, including one count of racketeering and two counts of sex trafficking, which could have resulted in a life sentence.
Prosecutors accused Diddy of leading a decades-long criminal enterprise involving sexual exploitation, extortion, and human trafficking, with claims that his employees and bodyguards committed numerous crimes at his direction. Diddy has consistently denied all allegations. His legal team hailed the verdict as a partial victory, maintaining that he did not commit any sexual crimes against anyone.
The sentencing hearing is scheduled for October, with a bail hearing expected next week. At a prior bail hearing, the judge denied Diddy's release before the final sentencing.
Earlier reports from The Hill mentioned that Suge Knight, former CEO of Death Row Records, suggested on May 13 that if Diddy were convicted, US President Donald Trump might consider granting him a pardon.
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