Just after 10 a.m. in a classic, wood-paneled Manhattan courtroom, a jury of twelve delivered the verdict to Sean “Diddy” Combs. The charges? Running a criminal enterprise and sex trafficking. The outcome? Not guilty on those major allegations.
Combs, visibly shaken, dropped to his knees and buried his head in a chair at the defense table. He’d just spent two months sitting through testimony and cross-examination in a high-profile trial, facing some of the most severe charges in his career.
Prior to the verdict, Combs sat quietly, focused, dressed in his signature off-white sweater and pants a look he maintained throughout the trial. The courtroom atmosphere was tense. The jury foreperson handed over the verdict sheet, and after a brief pause, began to read.
The announcement of “not guilty” on the racketeering charge landed first. Combs kept his head down. When the foreperson cleared him on the sex trafficking count, Combs covered his face with his hands a moment of visible relief.
However, the jury did convict him on a lesser charge: transporting individuals for the purposes of prostitution. As this was confirmed, Combs stayed with his face in his hands, clearly absorbing the mixed outcome.
Following the verdict, there were subdued celebrations in Combs’ corner. He made a prayer gesture to the jury, then repeated the sign to his family his twin daughters, sons, and his 85-year-old mother communicating, “I’m coming home.”
It was an emotional moment not just for Combs but also for his legal team. Attorney Teny Geragos, seated beside him, wiped away tears after the decision was read. The conclusion brought a dramatic two-month trial to an end, leaving Combs with both relief and lingering consequences.
Combs’ legal team moved quickly, immediately informing the judge that the jury’s decision reached after approximately two days of deliberation should allow Combs to leave the Manhattan courthouse as a free man. Attorney Marc Agnifilo emphasized that, with his client acquitted of the most serious charges, there was no further justification for his detention. He noted that Combs’ plane was currently chartered and located in Maui, implying there was no intent to flee.
Agnifilo stated, “Mr. Combs has been given his life by this jury,” and assured the court that Combs would comply with any conditions set forth.
Visibly emotional, Combs pressed his head into his chair at the defense table, then stood up and applauded before embracing several of his attorneys. Supporters and family members in the courtroom and overflow area responded with cheers.
After a final handshake with his legal counsel and a wave to his family who were separated by the crowded courtroom Combs was escorted out.
Despite initial optimism, Judge Arun Subramanian denied Combs bail at a subsequent hearing later that Wednesday. Outside the courthouse, a sizable crowd repeatedly called for his release, chanting “free Diddy.”
Nevertheless, Combs will remain in custody until his sentencing, scheduled for later this year.