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‘Going to vomit’: Celebs, online roast Diddy verdict

Combs' lawyer Marc Agnifilo

Source: ABC News (US)

Celebrities and social media are delivering their own harsh verdicts after hip-hop artist Sean “Diddy” Combs was cleared of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have put him behind bars for life.

“This makes me physically ill,” Aubrey O’Day, a former member of Combs’ girl group Danity Kane, said while filming coverage of Thursday’s verdict on her Instagram stories.

“Cassie probably feels so horrible. Ugh, I’m going to vomit.”

On Wednesday (local time), a 12-member jury in New York unanimously convicted Combes on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. But it acquitted him of racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking two of his former romantic partners: Rhythm and blues singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, and a woman known in court by the pseudonym Jane.

The verdict, which followed a seven-week trial and days of deliberation, was overall a win for Combs, a former billionaire known for elevating hip-hop in American culture.

After it, Combs knelt before his chair and appeared to pray. He then rose and faced the courtroom gallery.

“I’m gonna be home soon,” he said, smiling and clasping his hands. “I love you. Thank you, I love you.”

Combs’ family and supporters erupted into applause and cheers.

But the online verdict was far more damning.

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“Diddy beat the (RICO charge), that boy a bad man!” vocal rival 50 Cent wrote in an Instagram post. He also mocked Combs and commented on his sexuality, comparing him to mobster John Gotti.

Outspoken comedian and TV host Rosie O’Donnell said the verdict was a “joke.”

“I guess a jury just never wants to believe that a woman stays because of power and coercion,” she wrote on Instagram.

“Wow — they just think women stay because what? money — fame — ‘they love the abuse.’ … This decision got me angry.”

View post on Instagram
 

Meanwhile, actress Rosanna Arquette, who previously accused disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein of sexual misconduct said she was “broken-hearted for the brave survivors on top of more broken heart”.

Despite being cleared of three of five charges, Combs will remain in jail until his sentencing. US District Judge Arun Subramanian denied him bail because of the evidence presented during the trial of violent acts committed by Combs.

“It is impossible for the defendant to demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that he poses no danger,” Subramanian said.

Prosecutors acknowledged in a court filing that federal sentencing guidelines appeared to recommend a maximum sentence of 5¼ years. Combs’ lawyers argued that two years would be the outer limit.

“We’re gonna make it through this,” Combs told family and friends packed into two rows in the courtroom.

“I’ll see you when I get out.

He blew kisses to his supporters. “I love you all,” he said. “Be strong.”

As he was led away, back to detention, he said: “I love you, mom.”

The seven-week trial focused on prosecutors’ allegations that Combs for two decades used his business empire to force Ventura and Jane to take part in drug-fuelled, days-long sexual performances sometimes known as “freak offs” with male sex workers in hotel rooms while Combs watched, masturbated and occasionally filmed.

Prosecutors unsuccessfully argued that Combs’ conduct toward the women amounted to sex trafficking because he compelled Ventura and Jane to take part in the performances using physical violence and threats to withhold financial support or leak sexually explicit images of them.

After the verdict, Combs’ family left the courthouse to chants of “love, love, love” from the mogul’s dancing and cheering supporters. Outside court, Combs’ lawyer Marc Agnifilo said it was a great day.

“It’s a great victory for Sean Combs,” he said.

“Today’s a win, today’s a victory of all victories for Sean Combs and our legal system.”

Combs still faces dozens of civil lawsuits accusing him of abuse. Ventura sued him in November 2023 for sex trafficking, and they settled a day later for $US20 million ($A30 million).

Combs, once feted for turning artists like Notorious B.I.G. and Usher into stars, has denied all wrongdoing. After the verdict, Ventura’s lawyer Douglas Wigdor said she had “paved the way” for Combs’ conviction.

1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732

National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028

-AAP

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