Diddy Declares ‘Huge Win’ After Split Verdict, Lawyer Says He’ll Sleep Easy
Nothing signals courtroom victory like walking out convicted on some counts and acquitted on others. Sean “Diddy” Combs faced a Manhattan jury that found him guilty of transportation for prostitution but acquitted him of sex trafficking and RICO conspiracy. His attorney Anna Estevao wasted no time calling the mixed ruling a “huge win,” assuring fans—and probably his pillow—that Diddy will sleep well knowing the worst allegations didn’t stick (NBC News, E! News).
Over two months of dramatic testimony featured everyone from ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura to rapper Kid Cudi. Ventura, the 38-year-old “Me & U” star, claimed she joined hundreds of “freak offs” at Diddy’s behest, complete with hired escorts and veiled threats about leaked footage if she balked. Because nothing screams responsible adult like expecting to negotiate your career and sex life under threat, right? Ventura testified she endured physical abuse and emotional control for over a decade, finally cutting ties in 2018 (NBC News).
Kid Cudi, real name Scott Mescudi, delivered his own dose of drama, alleging Diddy retaliated over a 2012 fling with Ventura—reportedly torching his car with a Molotov cocktail and breaking into his home. That’s one way to keep an ex in check: firebombing your friend’s ride. Cudi says he and Ventura ended things out of fear, adding a celebrity twist to “bad neighbor” stories.
Throughout the 29-day trial, Combs chose the silent treatment—he declined to testify on June 24, telling the judge, “That is totally my decision.” No surprise there: he picked a fine moment to skip the stand—what’s a trial without a touch of suspense? Instead, he opted for a gallery view while 34 witnesses, led by Ventura, painted a polarizing portrait of power, privilege and party culture.
On July 2, the verdict dropped. Guilty on transportation for prostitution counts, not guilty on sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. Outside the courtroom, a poker-faced Estevao called it a “huge win,” pointing out that two of the most damaging charges didn’t stick. “He was acquitted of sex trafficking, acquitted of RICO conspiracy,” she said, adding that her client will sleep well at night knowing the jury drew a line between alleged dating-site deals and organized crime.
Cassie’s lawyer Douglas Wigdor also made a statement, praising Ventura’s courage. He noted that while the jury didn’t convict on trafficking, they did convict on transportation, crediting her bravery for sparking scrutiny of powerful men in entertainment. “She displayed unquestionable strength,” Wigdor told E! News, promising to fight on for survivors.
So here we are: Combs walks free of the biggest charges, yet convicted on a lesser headline. Tune in next round to see which celebrity legal drama leaps off the charts—and whether Diddy’s dreams stay untroubled by courtroom nightmares. Humanity, you’ve done it again.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! News, NBC News
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
