In a surprising turn of events, the jury in the federal case against Sean "Diddy" Combs reached a mixed verdict on Tuesday (July 2), causing massive hysteria amongst Black Americans online and victims of abuse everywhere. Diddy has been found not guilty on racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking of his ex-girlfriends Cassandra "Cassie" Ventura and Jane Doe.
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On X, folks are reeling over the shocking news. "Not… guilty? That CANNOT be correct, recount the votes," @arianaunext wrote on X. "Lock him up! 10 years is NOT enough!"
The disgraced mogul was, however, found guilty on the two lesser charges of transportation to engage in prostitution, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. The two-month-long case drew mixed emotions and in the court of public opinion, many believe there is no redemption in sight for Diddy.
"I know when you rich rich you can buy your way outta EVERYTHING! This don’t feel right at all," @Barrowboy77 tweeted out.
People also began theorizing on just how much time Diddy might serve. "He getting a suspended sentence this n***a coming home omg," @zipbaggyraf wrote.
"Diddy will serve maybe 5 years, if that," @HeelStCloud projected. According to him, the prosecution didn't do enough to cement the heavier charges. "The government beat everything on terrible witness that lied on the stand and also failed to show how Diddy was running a criminal enterprise," he continued on X.
"He is going to get a slap on the wrist. Diddy is going to get it light imo," @doomsdaykingd0m added.
Other folks simply said the math isn't adding up. "Not guilty on sex trafficking but guilty of transportation of prostitution. Does that make sense?" @Cindtrillella asked. The key to Diddy's defense was admitting he does have a temper-- hence the infamous 2016 hotel footage of him beating and dragging Cassie-- but insisting all sexual acts were committed consensually.
Some folks expressed sympathies for the victims. @TheAfrocentricI wrote, "Please send prayers for Cassie and all the other people harmed over the decades. All that evidence and people still don’t believe women the first time."
"We fail women everyday in this country... Gross negligence by the jury.," @kendalljamaal stated.
Other folks said although they were disappointed by the results, they're not shocked. "Proving a RICO is so incredibly difficult so I’m not surprised," @_iamjamila said. "I’m glad he’s facing conviction for something tho because the way he victimized Cassie alone deserved time," she added.
Many declared that Diddy is still guilty in their book. "This man is overall guilty in my eyes…he’s still an abuser. Him beating Cassie and just using his power to mistreat people will forever tarnish his name," @reexree202 wrote.
"He’s ruined in the court of public opinion for life though," @titubitch added. Since Cassie's 2023 lawsuit against Diddy, the case turned into a spectacle online, with folks making "No Diddy" jokes and coming up with nicknames for the Bad Boy founder. "Brace yourselves for all the corny Diddy jokes after the verdict," @prmade313raised said.
The verdict is a massive victory for Diddy, who was facing life behind bars. The judge in the case is now awaiting submissions from both prosecutors and defense on whether to release Diddy on bail until his sentencing.
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