New York [US], July 2: Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has been acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges following a closely watched federal trial in New York City, People reported.
The split verdict, announced Wednesday, clears Combs of the most serious accusations, which could have led to a life sentence. However, he was convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, charges that carry a potential maximum of 20 years in prison if sentenced consecutively.
Combs’ legal team argued that prosecutors failed to provide sufficient evidence for the major charges. The trial, which began in May, lasted several weeks and saw testimony from 34 witnesses, including Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, Combs’ former partner of 11 years. Ventura, who testified while nearly nine months pregnant, described alleged abuse and events prosecutors characterized as forced “Freak Offs” involving male sex workers.
Despite the acquittal on the gravest charges, Combs still faces numerous civil lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct, signaling that his legal troubles are far from over.