American music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs will remain in jail for now, even though he was cleared of the most serious charges against him. A judge in New York denied him bail on Wednesday. Combs, known for his success in hip-hop and luxury events, was found not guilty of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges that could have led to a life sentence. But the jury did convict him of two lesser crimes involving the transportation of people for prostitution. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanuan refused to grant bail, saying prosecutors had shown strong evidence that Combs was violent and still posed a threat if released.
"It is impossible for the defendant to demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that he poses no danger," Subramanian said in court.
The seven-week trial revealed disturbing details about Combs' private life. Testimonies described how he allegedly forced two former partners into drug-fueled sexual encounters with male sex workers, sometimes watching, filming, or taking part.
Two women, singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura and another woman known as “Jane,” said Combs assaulted them and used threats to force them to cooperate, such as cutting off money or releasing explicit videos.
When the judge announced the bail decision, Combs stayed silent, while a family member behind him appeared visibly upset.
This scene came hours after a partial legal win for Combs. When the jury’s verdict was read, he told his supporters:
“I’m gonna be home soon,” he said, prompting applause. “Thank you, I love you.”
The jury of 12 found Combs not guilty of racketeering conspiracy and two sex trafficking charges involving Ventura and Jane. If convicted, he could have faced life in prison.
Combs has denied all the charges and pleaded not guilty to all five.
After court, his lawyer, Marc Agnifilo called the verdict a major win:
“It’s a great victory for Sean Combs, it’s a great victory for the jury system,” he told reporters.
Once known for throwing wild parties in places like the Hamptions and Saint-Tropez, Combs now awaits sentencing for the two remaining charges. His future remains uncertain.
Source: Reuters