Why Sean “Diddy” Combs Got Standing Ovation From Inmates After Verdict

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ fellow inmates are celebrating his acquittals.  

Following the verdict where the music tycoon was declared not liable on three counts but guilty on two counts of sex trafficking and racketeering, his fellow prisoners reportedly applauded him, as stated by attorney Marc Agnifilo, in recognition of escaping possible life imprisonment charges.

Agnifilo told The Associated Press that they all expressed: ‘We rarely encounter individuals who manage to outwit the government,'” (said on July 6, a few days following Combs’ acquittal on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy).

As for how Combs reacted to hearing his verdict?

As reported by NBC News, finding myself spared from a lifetime imprisonment in my case, I knelt with my head bowed in a chair, appearing to pray. Notably, my family stood behind me, offering applause and cheers. My defense attorneys embraced one another, while I shared a heartfelt hug with my lawyer, Brian Steel.

Following a range of reactions from the public about the verdict, one juror (preferring to remain anonymous due to concerns for potential backlash) clarified to ABC News that the rapper’s fame did not impact their deliberation in any way.

The juror shared, “For more than two days, we carefully considered our verdict. Our decision was influenced only by the evidence provided and how the law is written. We would’ve made the same ruling for any defendant, irrespective of their identity. There’s nothing further I wish to discuss.

To put it another way, the juror emphasized that any assumption suggesting differently is “extremely disrespectful and undermining towards the jury and the entire deliberation process.

Despite Sean Combs (Diddy) currently being detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn prior to his sentencing, Jordan Atkinson, his former personal chef who claimed in the January 2025 Investigation Discovery documentary “Fall of Diddy” that Combs pushed her during an argument at his New Jersey residence, has since expressed feelings of unease after the verdict.

She shared on Instagram on July 3 that she wanted to convey how deeply distressing this entire situation has been for her. The last year and a half have been overwhelmingly traumatic, and the verdict was heart-wrenchingly disappointing.

In the end, I found myself facing charges for two offenses related to facilitating prostitution, with each count potentially leading to a decade behind bars.

(Alternatively)
In the final analysis, I was indicted for two instances of arranging prostitution activities, each of which could result in a 10-year jail sentence.

Atkinson asserted that he had always been clear about the attack against him, which he learned from his executives. They threatened him with being blacklisted if he spoke up. Regrettably, he admitted he should have taken legal action at that time, but he let himself down instead.

When the identity document emerged, nevertheless, Combs’ legal team declared in a statement to Daily Mail that it contained “unfounded allegations.

For more revelations from Combs’ weekslong trial, keep reading.

Following the acquittal of Sean “Diddy” Combs on racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges, as well as Cassie Ventura and an unnamed woman (referred to as “Jane“)—though he was convicted for transporting them to engage in prostitution—the singer’s legal representative responded to the court decisions.

The criminal proceedings initiated when our client Cassie Ventura bravely submitted her civil lawsuit in November 2023, as stated by Douglas Wigdor in a July 2 statement to TopMob News. Although the jury didn’t convict Combs of sex trafficking Cassie, they found him guilty of transporting someone for prostitution. By speaking up about her ordeal, Cassie has made a lasting impact on both the entertainment industry and the pursuit of justice.

Regarding the accusations for which Combs has pleaded not guilty, Wigdor stated, “Once again, we express without hesitation – we stand by our client who demonstrated remarkable bravery during this entire court process.

Furthermore, Wigdor commended Ventura, one of the 34 witnesses testifying throughout Combs’ 29-day trial, for her dedication and hard work.

He went on to say, “She showed undeniable resilience, shining a light on the truth about the influence of powerful men in our surroundings and the misbehavior that has gone unpunished for years. This situation made it clear that change is needed urgently, and we will keep advocating for victims.

After learning that he was found not guilty on three out of five counts in his federal trial, Combs, who potentially faced life imprisonment if convicted on all charges, humbly knelt and bowed his head over a chair, adopting a posture reminiscent of prayer, as reported by NBC News correspondents present in the courtroom.

According to the report, Combs’ relatives were present in the courtroom, applauding and celebrating the outcome for the music tycoon. The legal team embraced one another, while Combs himself hugged his attorney Brian Steel.

On the 2nd of July, the jury, comprising twelve individuals, delivered their verdict on five federal charges against Combs in his sex trafficking trial. After three days of deliberation, they found him guilty on two counts associated with transporting people for prostitution. These charges involved his former girlfriends, Ventura, and a woman identified as “Jane.

In the end, Combs was declared innocent on one charge of racketeering conspiracy and two charges related to human trafficking, as he had maintained his innocence throughout the trial.

Yesterday, just before handing down their decisions, the jury shared with U.S. District Judge Arun Subramamani that they were at an impasse on the racketeering charge due to irreconcilable viewpoints. Judge Subramanian spoke to us, urging us not to give up and to keep striving for consensus. Miraculously, a verdict was rendered shortly after we resumed our discussions the following day.

Attorney Christy Slavik spoke for a total of approximately five hours and 30 minutes while presenting her final statements to the jury. During this time, she maintained that Sean “Diddy” Combs employed power, threats, and intimidation to achieve his objectives.

She stated that he never accepts ‘no’,” and “His realm was where everyone catered to him.

Slavik referred to the physical attack Combs committed on Cassie Ventura in 2016 and the alleged assault he is accused of in 2024 against a woman known as “Jane” during the court proceedings.

Or, more informally:
Slavik mentioned the time Combs hit his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura back in 2016 and the incident involving another woman he dated in 2024, who goes by “Jane” for the trial.

She pointed out that although these two events happened eight years apart, they aren’t distinct narratives. Instead, she described them as different chapters within the same book, chronicling the life of Sean Combs and his involvement in the criminal organization run by his close associates.

Time after time, this criminal operation catered to the defendant’s every whim by employing a systematic approach of violence, threats, and psychological control,” she explained. “The defendant believed that his status, riches, and influence made him immune to legal consequences, relying on secrecy and embarrassment to conceal his misdeeds.

Slavik contended that during the trial, Combs benefited significantly from a team of personal assistants he referred to as a “dedicated force,” whose role was to cater to his every need, enhance his standing, safeguard his image, and do so regardless of the cost.

In their court submission, the prosecution asked Judge Arun Subramanian to allow them to modify certain aspects of their theories concerning the charges of attempted arson and kidnapping.

Despite the fact that Combs is still dealing with charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, which involve accusations of kidnapping and arson, prosecutors have taken steps to alter the charges. In their June 24 letter, they mentioned removing instructions related to attempted kidnapping under both California and New York law, attempted arson under California law, and aiding and abetting sex trafficking from the charge.

The government expressed its expectation that making the language easier to understand not only helps streamline the instructions, but also prevents misunderstandings.

Combs told JudgeSubramanian that he will not take the stand during his sex trafficking trial.

The judge underlined that neither the rap magnate nor the jury could infer or assume his guilt merely because he chose not to testify.

Combs asserted that it was “strictly” his own choice to not testify, after discussing the matter with his team.

He concluded after a detailed discussion, “It’s my call in this matter.

Teny Garagos, the defense attorney for Combs, informed the judge that both his team and the prosecution anticipate spending “a minimum of four hours” each for their closing statements.

After Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Joseph Cerciello finished testifying for several days on June 24 as a prosecution witness, the defense is now set to present their case. In contrast to calling additional witnesses, Combs’ legal team has decided to concentrate solely on the already-submitted evidence.

On June 23, during Ceriello’s testimony, the jury viewed graphic videos (as reported by NBC News reporters present in the courtroom as possibly originating from Combs’ “freak off” events) that were admitted as evidence.

In their observations, the special agent pointed out that they had found 50 explicit videos dating back to both 2021 and 2022. During the trial, jurors were provided with access to two specific files through the use of headphones and screens.

In the voicemails he left for his ex-chief of staff, Kristina Khorram, on June 23, Combs outlined a particular set of demands while residing at a hotel in November 2021. These requests included replenishing baby oil – an item he frequently needed during his “freak offs.

He asked Khorram to give him a call before setting off, “I can’t believe I’m out,” he added as he put twenty bottles into the container.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d say, “Go ahead and enjoy that extra day at the hotel! Just a heads up, you’ll find the baby oil waiting for you right outside your room.

Through text messages, it emerged that his ex-employee had mentioned she was preparing an IV drip for both him and Jane. This preparation seemed to be involved in at least one instance of his “freak off” recuperation process, as suggested by the group texts.

She also made sure that there were Plan-B pills, an emergency contraceptive, in his nightstand.

The jurors got to see a sequence of text conversations between Combs and Ventura, in which the “Long Way 2 Go” artist openly discussed the impact of the supposed mistreatment she was experiencing.

After Combs inquired if Ventura, whom he had an on-again, off-again relationship with from 2007 to 2018, was considering a break in March 2017, she responded, “No. I simply don’t want to be mistreated for standing up or feeling insignificant ever again. You handle me and make me feel unimportant.

In another instance, she further accused her ex of physically assaulting her. 

In a heartfelt message penned in May, I shared with you the love I hold for you, only to find myself being pulled down a corridor by the roots of my hair moments later when your actions took a turn for the worse. At 30 years old, I’m past the stage where this behavior is considered playful. Last night, I felt as though I had lost all sense of self-awareness, and it was an experience that was far from pleasant. However, witnessing your brilliance has always been a sight to behold, making it difficult for me to completely sever our connection.

Brendan Paul, who worked as Combs’ assistant from 2022 to 2024, testified under oath that he bought illegal substances such as marijuana, 2C, cocaine, ketamine, and ecstasy for his boss on various occasions.

Paul described the procedure by saying that we’d send messages to the drug dealer, who would then visit one of our homes in response. He met these individuals primarily via text messages or phone conversations.

However, Paul vehemently denied being a “drug mule” for the rap mogul.

As a lifestyle and etiquette advisor, I’d like to share some news about the court proceedings: On June 18th, I found myself stepping out of the courtroom early, as one of our esteemed jury members was unable to attend due to illness. In light of this, we adjourned for the day. It’s important to note that the court will not be in session on June 19th, as it’s Juneteenth, a significant day of remembrance and celebration in our nation’s history.

In the capacity of a dedicated follower, I must share that one of our jurors has fallen ill, experiencing vertigo, which forced them to return home. Their partner has informed us of this situation. Unfortunately, this juror is absent, and they are part of the regular jury, suggesting we may need to postpone today’s proceedings.

The judge acknowledged that it’s uncertain if the juror’s sudden onset of vertigo, characterized by dizziness, nausea, headaches, and additional symptoms, is short-lived or a persistent condition. However, they plan to keep an eye on the development.

Since the court is closed on June 19 for Juneteenth, Judge Subramanian announced that the trial will continue with a shorter sitting on June 20, starting at 9 a.m. and ending at 1 p.m.

Following Judge Subramanian’s decision to dismiss Juror No. 6 due to inconsistencies regarding their residence, another juror may face removal after allegations of an unsuitable discussion about the case with a former workmate surfaced. The suspected juror has been summoned by the judge and their phone has been taken for examination, according to NBC News.

By the close of the court session on June 16, no final decision regarding the member’s termination had been reached yet.

On June 13, Kanye West, famously known for his hit “Stronger”, paid a visit to the New York City courthouse to show solidarity with Combs. Although he was inside the building for around half an hour, he didn’t step foot into the courtroom itself. Instead, he stopped by the overflow area. The principal room is exclusively reserved for Combs’ family, legal representatives, journalists, and spectators who endure long hours in line to secure a seat.

Jane remembered the dispute that occurred following her vacation to Las Vegas, where she accompanied another rapper and his spouse.

During the trip, she stated that after engaging with Anton, a person they frequently employed as a sex worker, an incident occurred where a number of individuals witnessed Anton having intimate relations with a woman in a hotel room, leading to acts of sexual espionage.

Jane communicated to Geragos, the lawyer for the rap tycoon, that he was displeased following his allegation that she had attended another man’s private event.

On the 21st day of Combs’ trial, Maurene Comey, an assistant U.S. attorney, disclosed that they intend to dismiss one of the twelve jurors.

She shared with Judge Subramanian, prior to the jury’s entrance into the New York City courtroom, “We found ourselves quite hesitant to include this in our letter. It seemed to suggest an absence of honesty towards the court, which presents significant concerns for us.

As a fervent admirer, I’d rephrase it as follows: In the heat of things, I, Alexandra Shapiro, pointed out that Juror No. 6 is part of our diverse jury pool. I humbly requested a bit more time, not just for a written response, but also to delve deeper into relevant case law, ensuring a thorough understanding and preparation for the trial ahead.

As for the juror situation, I’ll hold off on addressing the specifics until we reach a conclusion.

 

On June 10, Jane found herself in a heated discussion with Garagos, who suggested that the witness was exchanging sexual favors for high-end items.

Lawyer Geragos reviewed text conversations from November 2021 between Jane and Combs, where it appeared the witness was displeased that the music tycoon was involved with other women. According to the messages, she inquired of Combs if he had given the other woman a Chanel handbag as a post-encounter gift.

Jane said that she didn’t get a Chanel purse from Combs, telling Garagos that she “got trauma.”

When the attorney asked what a Bottega bag was, she replied, “I’m sure you have one.”

And when Geragos asked how much the item costs, Jane asked, “How much does my body cost?”

Jane was granted a 10-minute break following the exchange.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d like to share my personal insights from my research conducted around 2022. In my viewpoint, I came to the conclusion that Combs might have been a “cuckold,” an individual deriving pleasure from observing their partner engage in intimate physical relationships with others. This conclusion was drawn based on my analysis of the sexual dynamics between Jane and Combs.

She explained that the study helped her gain a deeper insight, “I was simply trying to delve deeper into all the aspects that made them find such joy in witnessing their partner with other men.

It was suggested that Combs’ repeated requests for “hotel nights,” bearing striking similarities to Ventura’s “freak offs,” might stem from him exploring his own sexual identity.

She stated in her testimony that some individuals, whom she referred to as “Cucks,” might harbor genuine curiosity that they feel embarrassed to explore personally. Instead, they utilize a woman as a proxy to investigate their curiosity, without actually engaging in the activity themselves.

Jane stated that she referred to Paul, an escort they frequently sought help from, as “Trifecta.” She did this because she felt their relationship mirrored the championship-winning performances of basketball stars in a game setting.

“I was Kobe Bryant and Paul was Shaq [O’Neil],” she told jurors. “Combs was Michael Jordan.”

She characterized Paul as “very kind,” mentioning that if she “were in such a situation,” it would be comforting to interact with someone who radiates a positive and welcoming aura, like him, even if the scenario involved hiring escorts for companionship.

Jane stated that the relationship between Combs and Khorram was a source of disagreement or conflict in her romantic involvement with the hip-hop entrepreneur.

Jane mentioned that Khorram was usually by his side. She found it challenging in their relationship. Jane suspects that she held intense emotions towards her, which significantly impacted the way Sean behaved towards her.

On June 10, Judge Subramanian rejected Combs’ legal team’s request for a mistrial. In their motion, they claimed that Ventura and her friend Bryana Bongolan had lied about Bongolan being held over a 17th-floor balcony by the rap mogul.

In their latest court filing, his legal team alleged that the prosecution had engaged in “unprofessional behavior” by presenting false or dishonest testimony.

The letter states that during this trial, the government has provided evidence that was either untrue or they reasonably should have known it was untrue regarding their claim that Mr. Combs suspended Bryana Bongolan from the balcony of Cassie Ventura’s apartment in September 2016. To prevent an unfair verdict, the court is recommended to declare a mistrial.

Jane alleged that the rap mogul had beaten her for hours June 2024.

Jane stated that she and Combs had a heated argument over his association with a woman significantly younger than himself. This dispute reportedly escalated to the point where Jane referred to him as a “predator” and forcefully pushed his head against a marble kitchen counter.

According to the witness, she concealed herself inside the main bedroom as Combs forcefully broke open the door. (Evidence presented included images showing the damaged door.) She claimed that during an attempt to escape, the founder of Bad Boy Records kicked her on the back of the thigh, causing her to tumble down.

She recounted to the prosecution that he had her pinned to the ground in a chokehold, raised her off the ground, and she found herself standing on tiptoe due to difficulty breathing, all while attempting to escape his grasp.

Jane mentioned that she dashed out of the house and concealed herself behind a nearby wall for roughly two hours, hoping he would depart, but he didn’t. Later on, she disclosed that they went back to his residence, where she huddled in the backyard to shield herself as Combs is said to have assaulted her.

As per Jane’s account, the dispute intensified when it is claimed that Combs began to strike her repeatedly on the head. She testified, “He was hitting my head.” Furthermore, she stated that he kicked her and verbally abused her, continuing to hit her all the while.

She alleged that he told her that she was “trying to take him away from his kids and his family.” 

She testified that she responded, “No, I’m not. Please go away. Go away. Stop it,” but he forcefully took hold of her arm and hair, pulling her back towards the house, forcibly using both her hair and her arm.

Following the reported incident, Jane mentioned finding two swellings roughly the size of golf balls on her forehead, along with a blackened eye.

Jane stated that in March 2023, Homeland Security conducted a raid on her home, which was one of several properties owned by mogul Sean Combs at that time. She disclosed that during this incident, agents visited her residence and she immediately contacted Combs’ security chief to inform him about the situation.

It was claimed by Jane that the influential figure threatened to disclose their intimate recordings and share them with her child’s father in December of 2023.

In response to their relationship worsening, Jane claimed that Comb’s actions suggested he felt he had “no more risks to take” by sharing the videos. She later stated under oath, “It was a constant stream of intense, persistent phone calls.

She shared a message with Khorram concerning their encounter, and this communication became part of the court records. In her messages, Jane mentioned that Combs was warning about releasing the video, where she alleged she had taken a large amount of drugs.

She additionally mentioned that she required some distance from Combs, as she was attempting to heal from all the distress he inflicted upon her.

Jane told the court that Khorram assured her that Combs would not use the footage.

During her testimony, Jane stated that certain aspects of Ventura’s November 2023 lawsuit, which eventually reached a settlement, were similar to her personal encounters with Combs.

She said to the jurors, “I came very close to losing consciousness; in my opinion, I actually did faint.” She then added, “There were three particular pages that contained an extremely distressing description of my ordeal.

Jane, having experienced the “hotel nights,” found herself immersed in a tale that seemed strikingly familiar, as if it were her personal narrative. This realization prompted her to engage with Combs through text messages.

In her response to the lawsuit by Ventura, she expressed that reading the content felt eerily familiar, as if she were reliving her own experiences with sexual trauma. She stated she was ill, and the text was a word-for-word account of drug-fueled days and nights. She implied that this situation had been foreseeable, accusing them of manipulating her and causing her mental distress.

The messages went on, making me feel distressed. It seemed as though I was being compelled to act continuously. You caused me to question my feelings regarding the sexual abuse I experienced. I feel deeply violated. This was a clear instance of sexual manipulation.

Later on, Combs referred to Jane during their unbeknownst-to-her recorded discussion, which later became part of the court proceedings. In this conversation, he mentioned they had performed certain actions together and specified instances where he required her presence.

Jane, unaware that she was being filmed, expressed feeling extremely uncomfortable or nauseous upon reviewing Ventura’s documents, and shared this sentiment with Combs.

Jane shared that during her “Hotel Nights” with Combs and male companions, she usually used ecstasy. However, on one particular occasion, she chose not to use any drugs while engaging in sexual activities with three different men.

She stated under oath that she spent the evening with several gentlemen. Later on, she became ill and vomited. Upon arriving, Sean suggested they step outside, saying, ‘Don’t worry, you’ll start feeling better now.’

Jane said that at the end of the night, she felt “absolutely terrible.”

On the 18th day of the trial, on June 7th, Combs’ defense attorneys submitted a request for a mistrial. They contended that Ventura and Bongolan had falsely claimed that Bongolan was suspended over a 17th-floor balcony by the hip-hop tycoon.

In simpler terms, lawyers representing Combs (who had previously requested a mistrial but were denied by Judge Subramanian) alleged that the prosecution acted inappropriately by presenting false or dishonest testimony.

The letter states that during this trial, the government has provided evidence that was either untrue or they reasonably should have known it was untrue concerning their claim about Mr. Combs hanging Bryana Bongolan from Cassie Ventura’s apartment balcony in September 2016. To prevent an unfair verdict in this case, the court is recommended to declare a mistrial.

In a different wording: The defense claims that Bongolan fabricated details about the event, citing suspected discrepancies in her account of what happened. The prosecution will present their counter-argument on June 9, and the judge is expected to deliver his decision the following day.

In April 2023, two years into their relationship, P. Diddy (Combs) started covering Jane’s home rent payments, and he has continued to do so since then. Jane revealed that she and the renowned rapper agreed on this financial arrangement a month prior, which involved him giving her a monthly allowance.

On that particular ‘night at the hotel,’ it’s vivid in my memory that it was then when Sean presented us with a sort of ‘agreement of love’ between us,” she explained to the jury. “In other words, he was proposing a regular allowance for me as part of our relationship.

month, just moving forward, that’s what he was going to do for me.”

She mentioned that she stated a budget of 15,000 while he suggested 10,000. After searching for new residences, she opted to relocate and settle into a larger, more spacious home using the allocated amount. Her intention was to provide a comfortable environment for both her and her child, as well as establish some equilibrium in their relationship. Essentially, she desired a place where they could both unwind and find harmony; this move represented a sort of reciprocity in the relationship since she had been providing him with all the love.

Jane claimed, according to the contract, she was entitled to money “without any undue pressure, for a period of two years.

Jane openly discussed experiencing frequent urinary tract infections and yeast infections almost every week due to extended periods of sexual activity. She would often administer antibiotics regularly. Moreover, she confessed to engaging in sex before fully recuperating from her UTIs on occasion, and discomfort in her pelvic region was a common occurrence during “every single” night spent at hotels.

The witness further disclosed that she experienced discomfort in her shoulders and back while engaging in sexual activity. Additionally, she mentioned, “I found myself perched on the very edge of the chair or bed, assuming the positions he preferred during foreplay with these individuals.

Even though she endured pain, Jane chose not to inform Combs about it as she preferred not to convey any negative feelings.

However, she asserted that the discomfort wasn’t confined to their intimate moments alone. She shared with the jury that she got her nipples pierced at Combs’ behest as he had expressed it would “stimulate him greatly and was what he desired from his partner.

She said she removed the piercings because they “snagged and bled and got infected.”

However, she testified that Combs was unhappy with her decision.

At first, she claimed he accepted the situation, but later on, I noticed his growing frustration as he waited for me to complete the task.

She commented, “He often said things such as, ‘Where are your piercings? This will be the last time I see you without any piercings.’

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2025-07-07 17:19