NEW YORK (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs was denied bond after being convicted of prostitution-related offenses Wednesday. He was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have put one of hip-hop’s most celebrated figures behind bars for life.
The mixed result came on the third day of deliberations. It could still send Combs, 55, to prison for as long as a decade, and is likely to end his career as a hitmaking music executive, fashion entrepreneur, brand ambassador and reality TV star.
Combs was convicted of flying people around the country, including his girlfriends and paid male sex workers, to engage in sexual encounters, a felony violation of the federal Mann Act.
But the jury of eight men and four women acquitted Combs of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges, related to allegations that he used his money, power and frightening physical force to manipulate his girlfriends into hundreds of drug-fueled sex marathons with the men.
There’s no date yet for sentencing, when the judge will decide on Combs’ punishment for the prostitution conviction.
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Combs expressed confidence after the verdict
Combs appeared overwhelmed before court adjourned for a few hours to prepare for his bail hearing. He wiped his face, turning and kneeling at his chair, his head bowed in prayer, and then faced his family in the audience as they stood and applauded.
“I’ll be home soon,” he said, and “I love you, baby.”
“I love you, Mom,” he added.
Judge sets a 5 p.m. Wednesday bail hearing for Combs
Combs remains in custody after the verdict. His attorneys want him released while he awaits sentencing, on a $1,000,000 bond signed by himself, his mother, his sister and the mother of his oldest daughter.
Prosecutors oppose any release, saying he was convicted of crimes of violence.
The court has said Judge Arun Subramanian will return to the courtroom at 5 p.m. to make a decision on Combs’ bail request.
12:30 PM -- Celebrities react to the verdict
“Diddy beat the Feds that boy a bad man!” — rapper 50 Cent, on Instagram.
“I’m tired of seeing us Black moguls get took down like that. ... And I’m tired of seeing us Black people go against us Black moguls like that.” — rapper Boosie Badazz, in an Instagram video. “I’m glad he free ... The courts spoke.”
“Oh, this makes me physically ill. Cassie probably feels so horrible. I’m gonna vomit.” — singer Aubrey O’Day, formerly of the girl group Danity Kane, on her Instagram story.
“I guess a jury just never wants to believe that a woman stays because of power and coercion, wow.” — actor Rosie O’Donnell on Instagram.
12 PM -- US attorneys office reacts to verdict
The U.S. attorney's office for the Southern District of New York released a statement, saying all Americans want ‘scourge’ of sex crimes stopped. Read the statement:
11:30 AM -- Cassie’s lawyer says she ‘paved the way’
A lawyer for R&B singer Cassie’s, who previously dated Combs and testified that he beat and raped her, lauded her courage despite the verdict.
“Although the jury did not find Combs guilty of sex trafficking Cassie beyond a reasonable doubt, she paved the way for a jury to find him guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution,” Douglas H. Wigdor said in a written statement.
“By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice.”
11 AM -- Family members leave court with smiles on their faces
Comb's family and supporters chanted “dream team” as he got on his knees and then hugged his lawyers in court.
Outside the courthouse, his family left court with smiles on their faces after he was acquitted of the most serious charges. His lawyers are asking that he be released.
10:15 AM -- Buzz outside Manhattan courthouse after verdict
1010 WINS contributed to this report.