In a dramatic courtroom scene in New York, Sean "Diddy" Combs fell to his knees as he learned he was acquitted of serious charges, experiencing a wave of both relief and celebration along with his supporters.
Diddy Acquitted: Hip-Hop Mogul Celebrates Court Verdict Amid Emotions
Diddy Acquitted: Hip-Hop Mogul Celebrates Court Verdict Amid Emotions
Sean "Diddy" Combs reacts emotionally after being found not guilty of serious charges including racketeering and sex trafficking, though convicted of lesser offenses.
Four hours ago, twelve New York jurors gathered in a wood-paneled courtroom to deliver their verdict to Sean "Diddy" Combs, who was found not guilty of running a criminal enterprise and sex trafficking his ex-girlfriends. The disgraced hip-hop mogul dropped to his knees and buried his head in a chair after the jury's decision following a grueling two-month trial.
As the court listened intently, Combs sat quietly, donning the same off-white ensemble from much of his trial. The atmosphere in the courtroom turned solemn as the jury foreperson presented the verdict sheets. When the jury pronounced him "not guilty" on the major charge of racketeering, Combs maintained a lowered head, but as the foreperson went on to declare his acquittal on sex trafficking charges, he buried his face in his hands in disbelief.
Although the jury convicted him on the lesser charges of transporting individuals for prostitution, the decision was nonetheless a major relief for Combs, who has been detained in a federal jail in Brooklyn since September. The audience erupted into cheers once the verdict was announced, with Combs visibly emotional, performing a prayer gesture towards the jury, and promising his family, including his twin daughters and elderly mother, "I’m coming home."
Combs’ legal team quickly notified the judge that given the acquittal on the most serious charges, he should leave the Manhattan courthouse as a free man. His attorney articulated the significance of the ruling, emphasizing that the jury had granted Combs a chance to reclaim his life.
As the day progressed, Combs expressed deep gratitude with an emotional gesture, pressing his forehead into his chair, and later rose to embrace his legal team and celebrate with family and supporters in the courtroom. With a final wave and hug, he was escorted out, remaining in custody pending a bail hearing. For more updates on the trial, listeners can tune into the BBC Sounds podcast, "Diddy on Trial."
As the court listened intently, Combs sat quietly, donning the same off-white ensemble from much of his trial. The atmosphere in the courtroom turned solemn as the jury foreperson presented the verdict sheets. When the jury pronounced him "not guilty" on the major charge of racketeering, Combs maintained a lowered head, but as the foreperson went on to declare his acquittal on sex trafficking charges, he buried his face in his hands in disbelief.
Although the jury convicted him on the lesser charges of transporting individuals for prostitution, the decision was nonetheless a major relief for Combs, who has been detained in a federal jail in Brooklyn since September. The audience erupted into cheers once the verdict was announced, with Combs visibly emotional, performing a prayer gesture towards the jury, and promising his family, including his twin daughters and elderly mother, "I’m coming home."
Combs’ legal team quickly notified the judge that given the acquittal on the most serious charges, he should leave the Manhattan courthouse as a free man. His attorney articulated the significance of the ruling, emphasizing that the jury had granted Combs a chance to reclaim his life.
As the day progressed, Combs expressed deep gratitude with an emotional gesture, pressing his forehead into his chair, and later rose to embrace his legal team and celebrate with family and supporters in the courtroom. With a final wave and hug, he was escorted out, remaining in custody pending a bail hearing. For more updates on the trial, listeners can tune into the BBC Sounds podcast, "Diddy on Trial."
