DIDDY CONVICTED OF TWO PROSTITUTION OFFENCES

HIP-HOP mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs could walk free after he was found not guilty of the most serious offences in his sex trafficking trial.

- BY CHRISTOPHER BUCKTIN and TOM BRYANT

The rapper and record company boss could have been given life in jail - instead he faces a lower sentence after he was convicted of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.

His lawyers asked for him to be bailed until sentencing, as the offences he was convicted on carry no minimum jail term.

As the verdicts were delivered, Combs dropped to his knees in celebration, then told his mother Janice: “I will be home soon.”

A jury of eight men and four women acquitted him of racketeering and sex trafficking former girlfriend Cassie Ventura and another woman, known as Jane.

As he learned of his fate, his family stood up to clap and cheer. His defence attorneys hugged each other and Combs embraced his lawyer Brian Steel. The 55-year-old told loved ones, including his son Christian: “Thank you, love you,” as he was led away.

Outside the courthouse in New York City, fans of Combs covered themselves in baby oil, pictures of which were shown to jurors as evidence during the trial.

After the verdict, Ms Ventura released a statement through her lawyer Douglas H Wigdor.

He said: “This entire criminal process started when our client Cassie Ventura had the courage to file her civil complaint in November 2023.

“Although the jury did not find Combs guilty of sex trafficking Cassie beyond a reasonable doubt, she paved the way for a jury to find him guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution.”