By Lakshana N Palat
Sean “Diddy” Combs was acquitted on sex trafficking and racketeering charges—serious offenses that could have led to a life sentence for the hip-hop mogul. While cleared of the most severe allegations, Combs was found guilty of lesser charges related to prostitution and was denied bail as he awaits sentencing. Outside Manhattan federal court, his attorney Marc Agnifilo described the outcome as a “great victory,” adding that the jury “got the situation right — or certainly right enough.” He called the moment “a victory of all victories.”.However, the mixed verdict marked the climax of a turbulent legal battle that fractured Combs’ image, and upended his career across music, fashion, and television. Once celebrated as a Grammy-winning artist, influential music executive, fashion mogul, and reality TV figure, Combs now faces intense backlash and fury from fans across social media, as well as drastic alteration to his image. According to Associated Press, as he was led out of the courtroom and back into custody, Combs turned to his family—including his mother and children—and said, “I’ll see you when I get out. We’re going to get through this.”Combs has been found guilty of two counts of transporting individuals across state lines for the purpose of prostitution, a federal offense under the Mann Act, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years. However, the jury acquitted him of three other charges, including two that could have resulted in mandatory minimum sentences of 15 years and up to life imprisonment.The conviction centers on allegations that Combs arranged travel for individuals—including his partners for sexual activity.According to Combs’ defense team, federal sentencing guidelines suggest a likely sentence of around two years. Prosecutors, pointing to aggravating factors including alleged violence, argue that the guidelines support a sentence of at least four to five years. Combs has been in custody since his arrest in September and has already served nine months. “We fight on and we’re going to win,” Agnifilo said. “And we’re not going to stop until he walks out of prison a free man to his family.”With inputs from AP