Washington DC [US], July 7 : Sean “Diddy” Combs received a standing ovation from fellow inmates after being acquitted of the most serious charges in his high-profile federal trial, according to PEOPLE. The 55-year-old rapper and music mogul was cleared of sex trafficking and racketeering charges on July 2.
Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, revealed the emotional moment when Combs returned to Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center following the verdict.
“They all said, ‘We never get to see anyone who beats the government,'” Agnifilo shared.
Despite the acquittal on the most serious charges, Combs was convicted on two lesser counts: transportation to engage in prostitution. If sentenced to the maximum for both offenses consecutively, he could face up to 20 years in prison.
Combs has been in custody since September 2024. His bail request was denied by Judge Arun Subramanian during the recent hearing, and he will remain behind bars until sentencing on October 3.
Speaking to PEOPLE, Agnifilo said Combs is now taking time to reflect on his actions and life choices.
“He’s doing okay… he realizes he has flaws like everyone else that he never worked on,” he said.
“He burns hot in all matters. I think what he has come to see is that he has these flaws, and there’s no amount of fame and no amount of fortune that can erase them.”
The trial spanned over a month and involved 34 witnesses, including Combs’ ex-partner Casandra “Cassie” Ventura. Prosecutors accused Combs of coercing Ventura into exploitative situations, referred to in court as “freak offs.” However, the defense argued that all encounters were consensual, citing text messages to support their case.
While the acquittal on the most severe charges marks a legal victory, Combs’ legal troubles are far from over. He still faces multiple civil lawsuits involving allegations of sexual misconduct.