Famed music producer Sean "Diddy" Combs has been acquitted of three of the five charges he faced in a trial that shocked the world. He was accused of sex trafficking, participation in a criminal gang, racketeering, arson and other criminal offenses.
However, he was found not guilty of two counts of sex trafficking and another count of involvement in a criminal group.
On the other hand, he was found guilty of two charges related to human trafficking for the purpose of prostitution.
According to CNN reports, after hearing the verdict, Combs knelt down in front of his seat in the courtroom, bowed his head and appeared to be praying. He then stood up, turned to the audience and began clapping.
He hugged his lawyers, and turning to his family, said loudly:
“Thank you! I love you, Mom! I love you! I love you! I love you!”
His trial began on May 12 and lasted nearly eight weeks. The 55-year-old rapper has pleaded not guilty to any of the charges and continues to vehemently deny any wrongdoing, including those related to previous lawsuits.
Sean “Diddy” Combs, one of the most powerful figures in the American music industry for more than two decades, has faced a series of serious charges in recent years. His arrest and federal indictment came after a lengthy investigation by the Homeland Security Agency, which included raids on his homes in Los Angeles and Miami in September of last year. The indictment described him as the “mastermind” behind a criminal organization that organized “Freak-Off parties,” parties where sexual abuse, drug use and other illegal activities took place.
