Latest news with #JaniceCombs
ABC News
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Sean Combs's daughter Chance and mother Janice walk out of court
Sean Combs's daughter Chance and mother Janice walk out of court after the US singer was acquitted of the most serious charges in his New York trial.
CBS News
3 hours ago
- CBS News
Sean "Diddy" Combs drops to his knees, prays after verdict is read
After nearly two months of testimony, dozens of witnesses and mountains of evidence presented, jurors found Sean "Diddy" Combs not guilty of the three most serious charges against him and guilty of two lesser prostitution-related charges. Moments after the verdict was read, Combs fell to his knees and prayed in court, leaning on his chair. How did Combs react when the verdict was read? "Sean Combs pumped his fist at one point when they said that first 'not guilty.' When the jury foreperson, that's juror number five, was the one who was reading the verdict, he pumped his fist," CBS News New York's Alice Gainer said. "After the verdict was read and once everyone, the judge and the jury left the courtroom, man, the applause was thunderous from his family." Sean "Diddy" Combs pumps his fist as the verdict is read on July 2, 2025. Jane Rosenberg Combs' three daughters, his sons, his mother, other family and friends and supporters were in the courtroom Wednesday. "They were just cheering, he was clapping. And it's such an interesting visual, because again, he's by the defense table. It's not like he can run up and hug them, he's not a free man, he was convicted of two of the five counts," Gainer said. Combs' mother gave a thumbs up outside court. Janice Combs, mother of Sean 'Diddy' Combs, returns to the courthouse about an hour after the family left before the judge decision on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in New York City, United States. Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images High interest surrounding the case Gainer has covered numerous high-profile cases, such as Harvey Weinsten and many other. But she said the Combs trial garnered a different level of interest. "There's just so much going on, and there's such huge interest in this case. It's like nothing I've ever seen before, actually," Gainer said. "I get asked so many questions, people on social media are so interested, they are following me now to try and see our daily updates we've been posting on Instagram." "I've never seen crowds of this magnitude throughout the trial -- not just at openings or closings and verdict day. There's been a steady stream of people here curious about it, like I said before, streaming about it, giving their own personal takes on what's been going on. They had to set up multiple overflow rooms at one point just to make sure they could meet the demand. Because not everyone could get into the main courtroom, so they have these overflow rooms set up with a feed of what's going on in the main courtroom that people can then watch themselves," Gainer added. The NYPD set up barricades outside court to help control crowds after the verdict was read.
Newsweek
4 hours ago
- Newsweek
Legal Experts, Advocates React to Diddy Sex Trafficking Trial Verdict
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. A federal jury in Manhattan on Wednesday acquitted hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs of racketeering and sex trafficking charges while convicting him on two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution. Several legal experts and advocates for sexual violence prevention expressed frustration following the mixed verdict, such as Douglas Wigdor, the attorney who represented Casandra Ventura, who told Newsweek the case showed that "change is long overdue," adding that his team would "continue to fight on behalf of survivors." Dani Pinter of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation said the organization is "disappointed" that Combs was not found guilty of sex trafficking despite what she described as "overwhelming" evidence. Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor, however, told Newsweek that the verdict "is nothing less than a complete and total failure by the prosecution in what will go down as the most expensive prostitution trial in American history." Why It Matters The jury deliberated for more than 13 hours over three days after an eight-week trial at a federal courthouse in Lower Manhattan. The prosecution rested its case on June 24, having called 34 witnesses. The defense called no witnesses. Combs is facing a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for each transportation to engage in prostitution conviction. Before the case even moved forward, Combs faced public backlash and lost several deals over the allegations. Hulu canceled production of a reality series about Combs and his family, and Howard University rescinded his honorary degree, returning his $1 million donation and ending a scholarship program in his name. Following the verdict, the public reaction was mixed, with many calling out the jury for not finding him guilty of sex trafficking, and others celebrating the decision. What To Know A jury on Wednesday found Combs guilty on two counts related to the transportation of individuals for prostitution but acquitted him of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges involving Ventura and a woman identified as "Jane." Janice Combs (c), mother of Sean Combs, seen leaving the trial of her son Sean 'Diddy' Combs after a jurors found the music mogul guilty of prostitution, but not guilty on lesser charges, outside U.S.... Janice Combs (c), mother of Sean Combs, seen leaving the trial of her son Sean 'Diddy' Combs after a jurors found the music mogul guilty of prostitution, but not guilty on lesser charges, outside U.S. Federal Court in downtown Manhattan, New York, NY, July 2, 2025. More Anthony Behar/Sipa USA/AP Images Combs is facing a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for each transportation to engage in prostitution conviction. The defense requested he be released on $1 million bond, while the prosecution argued for him to remain incarcerated. In the courtroom, he was joined by his mother and children. Many individuals in the overflow room applauded after the jury announced that they found Combs not guilty on three charges. Supporters of Combs celebrated outside the courthouse following the verdict. Following the jury's decision, several experts have reacted to the mixed verdict. What People Are Saying Neama Rahmani, president of the firm West Coast Trial Lawyers in Los Angeles, told Newsweek in an email Wednesday: "Today's verdict is nothing less than a complete and total failure by the prosecution in what will go down as the most expensive prostitution trial in American history. The jury didn't believe any of the sex trafficking charges were weak because of the overwhelming evidence of consent. The prosecution's only real chance of a victory was racketeering and to prove a non-sex related predicate act like kidnapping, arson, extortion, or bribery. The fact that the jury even rejected that argument shows the many flaws in the prosecution's Subramanian should grant him bail today, and Diddy should be a free man. The jury has spoken and prosecutors in the prestigious Southern District of New York should take this very embarrassing loss and move on." Dani Pinter, senior vice president and Director of the Law Center, National Center on Sexual Exploitation, told Newsweek in an email statement: "We are disappointed that Sean Combs was not found guilty of sex trafficking for which we believe the evidence against him was overwhelming. However we are glad he will be held accountable for illegally transporting persons for prostitution and we commend the Southern District of New York for taking on this difficult case against a high profile bad actor on behalf of the victims. Our thoughts and prayers now are with the victims and witnesses and we hope they are receiving the support and protection they deserve." Attorney Douglas Wigdor, who represented Ventura in the case, told Newsweek in an email Wednesday: "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. "By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice. We must repeat – with no reservation – that we believe and support our client who showed exemplary courage throughout this trial." Scott Berkowitz, founder and president of RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), told Newsweek in an email statement: "The details of Combs' crimes were shocking and, in many ways, uncommon. But the experiences of those he victimized, and the courage that they showed in their testimony, are familiar to millions of survivors. If you look past the 'freak-offs' you'll see the reality that this case is like every other case of sexual violence: real harm was done to real humans, and justice demands real consequences for the offender. "We're grateful to Ventura, 'Jane' and the other witness who testified, and appreciative of the jurors who ensured a measure of justice for these survivors." Lonnie Hart, Jr., a criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor, in comments sent to Newsweek for another article: "I'm not surprised at the verdict at all. The racketeering charge was ill conceived from the beginning. The prostitution charges were much easier to prove." UltraViolet, a women's rights organization, said in a Wednesday statement: "This is a decisive moment for our justice system, one which threatens to undo the sacrifice of courageous survivors who stepped forward to share their stories in this trial, as well as to all those abused by Diddy who weren't able to. Today's verdict is not just a stain on a criminal justice system that for decades has failed to hold accountable abusers like Diddy, it's also an indictment of a culture in which not believing women and victims of sexual assault remains endemic. We will continue to stand with the brave women and men who took great risk to reveal the person Diddy really is." Dr. Ann Olivarius, a lawyer who specializes is sexual harassment, assault, and abuse, cases, said in an X ,formerly Twitter, post on Wednesday: "If you've see the video of Combs viciously beating Cassie Ventura you know what happened when Cassie said 'no'. Saying 'yes' to avoid a beating is not 'consent'. It's coercion, which is what the prosecution must prove under the TVPA [The Trafficking Victims Protection Act]." What Happens Next The judge is expected to make a decision later Wednesday on whether Combs must remain in custody as he awaits sentencing.
RNZ News
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Sean 'Diddy' Combs acquitted of sex trafficking, convicted on lesser charge
By Maggy Donaldson , AFP Photo: AFP/ NurPhoto / Image Press Agency Music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs was found not guilty of racketeering and sex trafficking Wednesday but convicted of a less serious prostitution charge after a high-profile marathon trial in New York. The jury , after 13 hours of deliberation, found Combs guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. But he was acquitted of a major racketeering charge and two sex trafficking charges that could have sent him to prison to life. Combs bowed his head, quietly pumping his fists in his lap and bringing his hands together in a prayer as the verdicts were read out. At one point, he looked towards the ceiling, appearing to express deep relief. He shook hands with one of his lawyers, who embraced each other - two of them teared up in joy - and mouthed thanks to the eight-man, four-woman jury as they filed out of the courtroom. The relatively quick verdict arrived after seven weeks of at-times excruciating testimony, in which prosecutors had accused Combs of being the boss of a decades-long criminal group who directed loyal employees and bodyguards to commit myriad offenses at his behest. Janice Combs, centre, mother of Sean "Diddy" Combs, waves as she departs Manhattan's Federal Court alongside her grandchildren and family members after the verdict. Photo: AFP / Timothy A. Clary Jurors announced a partial verdict late Tuesday (US time) and said they were deadlocked on the racketeering charge - but Judge Arun Subramanian instructed them to keep working. Combs, once one of the most powerful figures in the music industry, had vehemently denied all charges. Along with racketeering, Combs was charged with sex trafficking two women: singer Casandra Ventura and a woman who testified under the pseudonym Jane. Both were in long-term relationships with the entrepreneur and hip-hop pioneer, and they each testified about abuse, threats and coercive sex in wrenching detail. They both said they felt obligated to participate in Combs-directed sexual marathons with hired men. Combs's lawyers insisted the sex was consensual. They conceded domestic violence was a feature of his relationships -- one harrowing example of him beating and dragging Ventura was caught on security footage that has been widely publicized. Yet while disturbing, that did not amount to sex trafficking, the defence said. Jurors ultimately agreed. Ventura's lawyer, Douglas Wigdor, released a statement saying she had made an "indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice." "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," read the statement, adding that Ventura's "courage" in speaking out allowed for Combs's two convictions. Combs's family members, present throughout the trial that began in early May, clapped and cheered for him in court. His mother waved cameras as she left the building with a smile. Influencers and YouTubers have scurried around the court complex throughout the trial, jumping on livestreams to offer hot takes and conspiracy theories. "The mainstream media is so mad right now that a Black man isn't going down!" shouted one content creator. Combs has been incarcerated at a notorious Brooklyn prison since he was arrested in September 2024. The defence immediately requested he be released on bond - they suggested $1 million - and permitted to travel between Miami, Los Angeles, and New York while he awaits sentencing. They said they would hand over his passport to court officials. A ruling on the matter is expected later today. "He would be nothing short of a fool, which he is not, to violate any conditions the court set," defence attorney Marc Agnifilo said, adding that Combs "treasures" the "opportunity he has been given." But lead prosecutor Maurene Comey opposed the request, accusing the defence of trying to "downplay the seriousness" of the convictions. The guilty findings confirm that Combs transported both Ventura and Jane for purposes of prostitution during the sometimes days-long sex parties. Comey emphasized that the encounters included a pattern of violence and drug use, conduct she said should "merit a lengthy period of incarceration." Comey called Combs a flight risk who "does not have a respect for the law." Sentencing will occur at a later date. - AFP
BBC News
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Diddy jury return for third day of deliberations after partial verdict reached
Update: Date: 14:24 BST Title: Chaos outside court Content: Sakshi VenkatramanReporting from court The atmosphere around the courthouse has been chaotic since yesterday, with journalists, content creators and Diddy fans trying to get inside to hear a verdict. Combs' supporters appear to be growing in number by the day. Yesterday, a group of fans outside the courtroom were hawking baby oil and t-shirts that said "A freak-o is not a rico". And one woman was running around outside the courtroom in her underwear. The vibe gets especially frenetic when someone from the Combs family enters the building. This week, all six of his adult children have been in attendance. His mother has also regularly attended. Update: Date: 14:17 BST Title: Diddy is in the courtroom Content: Sean "Diddy" Combs has arrived in the courtroom and is talking with his legal team. Update: Date: 14:12 BST Title: Diddy's mother, lawyer and his publicist arrive at court Content: Janice Combs, mother of Sean "Diddy" Combs, walks outside the courthouse Holly Baird, publicist of Sean "Diddy" Combs Marc Agnifilo, attorney for Sean "Diddy" Combs, walks outside the courthouse Update: Date: 14:04 BST Title: Diddy faces five counts Content: The jury has reached a verdict on four of the five counts that Sean "Diddy" Combs faces (we've put those ones in bold in the list below). But they are split on the most serious of the charges, racketeering conspiracy. While the jury says they have reached a verdict in those four charges, we do not yet know what that verdict is. Update: Date: 13:58 BST Title: Listen to the BBC's Diddy on Trial podcast Content: Anoushka Mutanda-DoughertyPodcast host, Diddy on Trial The BBC's Diddy on Trial podcast has followed every twist and turn in Diddy's case since November 2024. From bombshell allegations of so-called "freak-offs", to testimony from Grammy-winning rapper Kid Cudi, there have been headline-making moments every week. We're bringing you all the updates straight from court in New York. You can listen to the podcast on BBC Sounds or watch on our YouTube channel, external. Update: Date: 13:55 BST Title: Jury return to deliberate after dramatic day in court Content: Madeline HalpertReporting from court Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the criminal trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs in New York. We're back in federal court this morning after a long day of deliberations on Tuesday. Jurors have now reached a verdict on four out of the five counts against Combs - these are sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution charges. We still don't know what their verdict is, and the jurors said yesterday they are struggling to reach an agreement on racketeering conspiracy charges against Combs. It is the most complicated and most serious charge. It has a potential life in prison sentence if Combs is found guilty. But as the judge told them to do at the end of the day on Tuesday, jurors will go back and try to fulfil their duty to reach a unanimous verdict.
