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How the Prosecution Failed to Prove Its Most Serious Charges Against Sean 'Diddy' Combs

A Manhattan jury found Sean 'Diddy' Combs guilty of two federal felonies for transportation to engage in prostitution but acquitted him of racketeering and sex trafficking charges on Wednesday.
Federal prosecutors charged Combs as a racketeering kingpin leading an organized criminal enterprise, but the jury was not convinced due to lack of proof of an ongoing structure and coercion.
The trial included testimony about drug-fueled sexual encounters called "Freak Offs" and "hotel nights," with defense highlighting text messages showing romantic affection and enthusiasm from the women.
Legal experts called the racketeering charge a grievous overcharge, noting prosecutors failed to prove a criminal enterprise, while defense lawyers admitted abuse and drug-fueled conduct but denied racketeering.
The mixed verdict means Combs faces possible prison time for lesser charges but escapes decades-long sentences from racketeering, illustrating prosecutorial overreach and DOJ heavy-handedness.

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The New York Sun

Right

‘A Freako Is Not a RICO’

The failure to convict Diddy of racketeering illustrates the folly of prosecutorial overreach.

6 hours ago·New York, United States

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Newser

Lean Left

How the Racketeering Case Against Combs Fell Apart

Former federal prosecutors are weighing in on the partial Sean Combs verdict , seeing it as a blow to the Southern District of New York and a win for the defense. As NPR sees it, the case offers "a lesson in the public's murky understanding of consent, and the ways that...

6 hours ago·Miami, United States

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WTAE

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Center

How the prosecution failed to prove its most serious charges against Sean 'Diddy' Combs

How and why did things go sideways for the federal prosecutors in the Sean "Diddy" Combs trial?

7 hours ago·Pittsburgh, United States

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n-tv.de

Lean Right

"Igitt, I Must Vomit": Judgment Against Sean "Diddy" Combs Causes Displeasure

Rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs still faces a long prison sentence. But after the most serious accusations against him were dropped in court, he no longer has to be detained until the end of his life. For many celebrities, this is due to incomprehension.

8 hours ago

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CNN

+9 Reposted by 9 other sources

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How the prosecution failed to prove its most serious charges against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs

Combs was acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion. Here’s what legal experts say went wrong for the prosecution:

10 hours ago·Atlanta, United States

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