'Diddy' acquitted of most serious charges, convicted of a prostitution-related offense

Sean "Diddy" Combs was convicted of a prostitution-related offense but acquitted Wednesday of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have put one of hip-hop's most celebrated figures behind bars for life.

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The mixed result came on the third day of deliberations. It could still send Combs, 55, to prison for as long as a decade, and is likely to end his career as a hitmaking music executive, fashion entrepreneur, brand ambassador and reality TV star.

But the verdict cleared one of hip-hop's most celebrated figures of charges that could have put him behind bars for life.

After hearing the verdict, Combs held his hands up in a prayer motion, looking at the jury and hugged defense lawyer Teny Geragos. Combs later continued to pump his right fist subtly, seemingly satisfied that he was acquitted on the most serious charges.

Combs was convicted of flying people around the country, including his girlfriends and paid male sex workers, to engage in sexual encounters, a felony violation of the federal Mann Act.