SUNSET PARK, Brooklyn — On Wednesday, outside the federal courthouse, Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team reveled in victory after a jury of eight women and four men found the renowned hip-hop mogul not guilty of three out of five criminal charges brought against him.
After the verdict was read, his lawyers wanted him released to his family until sentencing.
A judge denied his bail the request, that left him where he has already spent months, MDC in Sunset Park, Brooklyn.
The enormity of the moment weighed heavily on the music icon as he awaited the jury’s decision. This seven-week trial reached its climax, a sobering realization that brought Combs to his knees, as depicted in courtroom sketches.
He was emotional after the verdicts were read, mouthing, “thank you” to the jury.
Prosecutors presented grave allegations against Combs, with charges severe enough to potentially imprison him for life. The case included racketeering conspiracy, which left the jury to deliver only a partial verdict on Tuesday night.
But, they were finally able to reach a verdict minutes before 10 a.m. Wednesday morning.
The racketeering conspiracy charge that Combs was acquitted on, would have required jurors to find that he committed at least two of eight underlying crimes.
Combs’ family that has been by his side every step of the way, especially his mother at court everyday, had little facial expression, leaving the courthouse, after a judge denied his bail request.
There were smiles earlier in the day from family after the verdict came down, because their father and son will one day return home.
Outside the federal courthouse, droves of supporters celebrated.
Even some critics flooded Pearl Street, reflecting on what some view as a tarnished legacy for the music mogul. For Combs’ lawyers, their fight is far from over.
“We are not done fighting,” said Marc Agnifilo, defense attorney, “We are just getting started.”
“I was really perplexed that the defense team said that they should send Sean Combs home to his family,” said Douglas Wigdor, Cassie Ventura’s lawyer.
“Because the way he lives his life, even the things we’ve seen with our own eyes isn’t the sort of person who’s a role model to their family. I do hope he gets the help that he needs, but I feel like that’s probably not going to happen.”
As for Combs’ sentencing, a judge set a date in October.
Combs defense lawyers are asking for that date to be expedited, and there will be a virtual hearing next Tuesday.
For now, Combs will remain where he’s been each and every day for the past 10 months, MDC.
Copyright © 2025 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.
