'Diddy' denied bail, will remain jailed after trial verdict
Combs’ lawyer calls the verdict a ‘great victory’
Diddy's defense team steps outside to court to give closing remarks one by one as Combs's trial comes to an end. But, spirits are high as defense attorney Marc Agnifilo said outside the courthouse that the jury "got the situation right — or certainly right enough." "Today is a victory of all victories," he said.
NEW YORK - Sean "Diddy" Combs won’t be released on bail after a jury acquitted him on racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges, but convicted him of lesser charges of prostitution, a judge ruled Wednesday.
THE LATEST: Live: Diddy found guilty on counts, could be released on bail today
Combs has been jailed since his arrest in September 2024. The defense asked for Combs to be released to his home in Florida because this is his first offense. The prosecution objected, arguing that Combs presents a flight risk.
U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian asked for a letter from both sides to make their case for Combs’ detention status. He announced his decision on bail Wednesday afternoon, several hours after the verdict was read.
Diddy sentencing date
What's next:
Combs is set to be sentenced on October 3, according to a TMZ report.
However, a hearing will be held on July 8 to decide whether to move up Combs' sentencing date, according to WNYW.
Diddy to remain in custody while awaiting sentencing
After Judge Arun Subramanian entered the courtroom, he told the parties he had read the submissions. He then denied Sean "Diddy" Combs' bail package. Judge Arun Subramanian said that Diddy has not proven he would not be a risk to have outside of custody. LiveNOW's Andy Mac speaks with attorney Tre Lovell while Diddy remains in custody still awaiting his sentence.
Diddy speaks to family
What they're saying:
As Combs left the courtroom for a final time, he stood in front of his family, telling them: "I’ll see you when I get out" and "We’re going to get through this." He also told them, "Be strong, I love you."
He looked toward his mother and said, "Mama. I love you. Stay strong."
Judge denies bail for Sean "Diddy" Combs
Sean "Diddy" Combs has been denied bail while awaiting sentencing in his New York sex crimes case. Attorney Jeremy Saland joins FOX 5 New York's Lisa Evers and Arthur Chi'en to react.
Diddy trial verdict
The backstory: Combs was convicted of flying his girlfriends and paid male sex workers around the country to engage in sexual encounters, a felony violation of the federal Mann Act.
But following a seven-week trial, the jury of eight men and four women acquitted Combs of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges, related to complex allegations that he used his money, power and frightening physical force – including kidnapping and arson – to manipulate his girlfriends into hundreds of drug-fueled sex marathons with the men.
Diddy reacts to verdict
After the verdict was read, Combs held his hands up in a prayer motion, then looked at the jury and hugged his defense lawyer Teny Geragos.
MORE: Diddy pumps his fist, courtroom cheers after verdict read
Following the verdict, Combs continued to pump his right fist subtly, seemingly satisfied that he was acquitted on the most serious charges.
Combs knelt down, arms on the chair in front of him, after the judge exited. He then rose to face the gallery before beginning to clap. The courtroom applauded and cheered for Combs as he made his own exit.
Combs seemed buoyant arriving in the courtroom earlier Wednesday morning, a contrast to his mood a day earlier after he learned that the jury at his sex trafficking trial had reached a yet-to-be-disclosed verdict on all but one of the five charges.
He smiled and clasped his hands together in the air toward his family and supporters before hugging several of his lawyers and sitting down to await the outcome of the jury's third day of deliberations.
Diddy trial verdict: Not guilty on 3 out of 5 counts
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. 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.
How much prison time could Combs get?
Dig deeper:
Combs was convicted of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, a charge that carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
The judge could issue concurrent sentences for each guilty count, meaning that Diddy could serve his sentence for each count at the same time, which would carry a maximum 10 year sentence.
Diddy could also be sentenced for each count separately, which would carry a maximum sentence of 20 years.
What is the Mann Act?
The guilty charges involve a felony violation of the federal Mann Act. The Mann Act is a federal law that makes it a crime to transport someone across state lines for illegal sexual activity.
MORE: What is the Mann Act? What Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs was found guilty of
The maximum penalty for violating the Mann Act is 10 years in prison and a fine.
The Source: This report includes the latest information from U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, The Associated Press and previous FOX 5 NY reporting.