Latest news with #DougWigdor
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Cassie Is ‘Pleased' Following Sean Combs Prostitution Conviction, Says Lawyer
Follow all of our Sean Combs trial coverage Casandra 'Cassie' Ventura's attorney commended her 'courage' and said she 'was in a good place' after Sean Combs was found guilty on two of the five federal charges he faced during his eight-week trial. Combs was convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution but found not guilty on the more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. More from Rolling Stone Kesha Supports Cassie Following Sean Combs Conviction: 'I Believe You' Prayers and Fist Pumps: How Sean Combs Reacted to Not Guilty Verdicts Sean Combs Denied Bail, Will Remain in Jail Until Sentencing 'This entire criminal process started when our client Cassie Ventura had the courage to file her civil complaint in November 2023,' Doug Wigdor said in a statement. '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.' Combs settled with Ventura one day after her suit was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Ventura's November 2023 complaint was followed by more than 60 other civil suits accusing the disgraced mogul of sexual and physical abuse. 'By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice,' Wigdor added. A eight-months-pregnant Ventura testified for four days in Combs' trial, recounting an abusive relationship where she testified to being physically abused, coerced into having sex with male sex workers that Combs hired, and sexually assaulted after they broke up. Outside the courthouse after the verdict, Wigdor noted, 'Obviously we would have liked to see a conviction on the sex crimes [and] the RICO counts, but we're pleased that he's been held responsible for something, which is something that hasn't happened in his lifetime. We're hopeful that ultimately he receives a substantial sentence for what he's done and we're pleased that Cassie's brought to light everything that has happened in this trial … we understand beyond a reasonable doubt is a high standard and we're just pleased that he still faces substantial jail time.' Wigdor added that Ventura is in a 'good place' and 'pleased' that Combs was found guilty on the two charges. The charges carry a maximum of 20 years in prison, but most legal experts expect Combs will receive a less severe sentence given his lack of a criminal record. Wigdor concluded his written statement by lauding Ventura coming forward and testifying during the trial. 'We must repeat – with no reservation – that we believe and support our client who showed exemplary courage throughout this trial. She displayed unquestionable strength and brought attention to the realities of powerful men in our orbit and the misconduct that has persisted for decades without repercussion. This case proved that change is long overdue, and we will continue to fight on behalf of survivors.' Best of Rolling Stone Sly and the Family Stone: 20 Essential Songs The 50 Greatest Eminem Songs All 274 of Taylor Swift's Songs, Ranked
CBS News
02-07-2025
- CBS News
Sean "Diddy" Combs trial verdict disappointing for many sex assault survivors
Survivors of sex abuse and domestic violence say the Sean "Diddy" Combs trial is elevating an important conversation. Combs was found guilty Wednesday of transportation to engage in prostitution, but acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. Cassie Ventura's attorney praises her strength The attorney for Cassie Ventura, Combs' former girlfriend, said the entire criminal process started when she had the courage to file her civil complaint. "She's happy that in November of 2023, she came forward and shined a light on this and brought other people forward," attorney Doug Wigdor said. Ventura testified for four days about her turbulent relationship with Combs. Her attorney said she displayed "unquestionable strength." "We're pleased that he's finally been held responsible for two federal crimes, something that he's never faced in his life," Wigdor said. Sex assault survivors hope for change in the future The mixed verdict, with Combs acquitted of the most serious counts, comes with mixed reaction. Gianka Rose is not connected to Combs, but says as a sex assault survivor, she went to the courthouse, hoping to see a different outcome. "I'm actually devastated," she said. "I just thought finally something was going to happen for sexual assault survivors, and we were going to get our moment ... It's super discouraging, but holding onto faith that hopefully things will change in the future." Lauren Hersh, former chief of the Brooklyn district attorney's sex trafficking unit and current director of World Without Exploitation, called the verdict both "a travesty for survivors" and a teachable moment. "We recognize that we need to change laws to make sure that powerful people and those who exploit are held accountable for the devastating harm they cause, and we also realize that we need to go out there and educate people to understand the complexities of sex trafficking," she said. She also believes courage is contagious and is among the many celebrating survivors speaking their truth. "I think regardless of the outcome, it really shows to survivors across the country that they can speak up no matter the fame or wealth or the prestige that their abuser has," Safe Sisters Circle Executive Director Nel-Sylvia Guzman said. Guzman said the Safe Sisters Circle tells survivors any time they come forward is the right time. She, like others who spoke to CBS News New York, believe there are a lot of conversations that still need to be had in this space.
CNN
02-07-2025
- CNN
CNN Exclusive: Cassie Ventura's lawyer reacts to ‘Diddy' verdict
Doug Wigdor, a lawyer for Cassie Ventura, sat down with CNN's Elizabeth Wagmeister. Wigdor said that following the verdict in Sean 'Diddy' Combs' sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy trial that 'there was a lot of mixed emotions in that courtroom' as the verdict was read.
The Guardian
02-07-2025
- The Guardian
Cassie Ventura's lawyer says he is happy Combs has 'finally been held accountable'
The lawyer for Cassie Ventura, Doug Wigdor, said outside the courthouse that his team is pleased Sean 'Diddy' Combs has 'finally been held accountable.' He added: 'Of course, we would have liked to have seen a conviction on the sex crimes and RICO, but we understand that "beyond a reasonable doubt" is a high standard and we're just pleased he still faces substantial jail time'
Fox News
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Diddy acquitted on sex trafficking and racketeering, found guilty on lesser charges
incoming update… Cassie Ventura's lawyers spoke out after jurors reached a verdict in Sean "Diddy" Combs federal trial. The jury found on Wednesday Diddy not guilty of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. He was found guilty on both counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. "This entire criminal process started when our client Cassie Ventura had the courage to file her civil complaint in November 2023," Cassie's lawyer, Doug Wigdor, said in a statement. "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. By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice." Wigdor added, "We must repeat – with no reservation – that we believe and support our client who showed exemplary courage throughout this trial. She displayed unquestionable strength and brought attention to the realities of powerful men in our orbit and the misconduct that has persisted for decades without repercussion. This case proved that change is long overdue, and we will continue to fight on behalf of survivors." The jury in Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex trafficking and racketeering trial reached a verdict on all counts Wednesday. The jury found Diddy not guilty of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. He was found guilty on both counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. COUNT 1 - RICO: NOT GUILTY COUNT 2 - SEX TRAFFICKING, CASSIE VENTURA: NOT GUILTY COUNT 3 - MANN ACT TRANSPORTATION, CASSIE VENTURA: GUILTY COUNT 4 - SEX TRAFFICKING, JANE: NOT GUILTY COUNT 5 - MANN ACT TRANSPORTATION, JANE: GUILTY A federal RICO violation can result in a 20-year sentence. The transportation to engage in prostitution charge could carry a sentence of up to 10 years, while sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion may carry a 20-year sentence. Live Coverage begins here
