NEW YORK CITY — The family of Sean “Diddy” Combs celebrated on the streets of New York City on Wednesday following a split verdict that cleared the music mogul of the most serious charges.
Combs was found guilty of transporting people across state lines for prostitution, but the jury acquitted him of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges linked to allegations of forcing girlfriends into numerous drug-fueled sex marathons with other men. His attorneys argued the women were consensual participants.
Outside the courthouse, Combs’ son Christian Combs said, “We’re so happy — Pops is coming home.”
As Sean Combs’ mother, Janice Combs, left the courtroom, she told ABC News her heart was fluttering as the verdict was read.
Anthony Carlo reports from Lower Manhattan.
Combs’ supporters cheered with delight when he was acquitted of sex trafficking related to his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura.
Combs was notably happy when he was found not guilty of sex trafficking in connection with his ex-girlfriend who testified under the pseudonym “Jane,” lifting his fist and tightly gripping the hand of his attorney, Teny Geragos.
Darla Miles reports from Lower Manhattan.
When a prosecutor argued to the judge that Combs should stay in custody, Janice Combs wrapped her hand around her grandson Christian’s neck.
When the judge said he thought Combs didn’t want to return to the Metropolitan Detention Center, Combs comically shook his head no and put up prayer hands, prompting the gallery to break out in laughter.
To his seven children, Combs is known as dad. To the rest of the world, he’s a hip-hop mogul and multi-millionaire who now faces the possibility of spending years behind bars.
He’ll be sentenced at a later date, but a bail hearing on Wednesday evening will determine if Combs will be released from prison until then.
The attorney for Cassie Ventura said his client “paved the way” for Wednesday’s charges.
She testified for days, giving graphic details about bouts of violence and hotel “freak offs” involving sex with escorts at Combs’ direction, but after a seven-week trial, a jury of 12 men and women, found the Harlem-born rapper not guilty of the most serious charges against him.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office released a statement that reads in part: “Sex crimes deeply scar victims, and the disturbing reality is that sex crimes are all too present in many aspects of our society. Victims endure gut-wrenching physical and mental abuse, leading to lasting trauma. New Yorkers and all Americans want this scourge stopped and perpetrators brought to justice.”
Kemberly Richardson has more details on Combs’ reaction to the verdict and what’s next for the mogul.
ABC News contributed to this report.
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