Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Legal Team Responds to Mixed Federal Trial Verdict, Vows to Keep Fighting

Sean “Diddy” Combs’

Following a dramatic verdict in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ high-profile federal criminal trial, the hip-hop mogul’s defense team addressed reporters outside the courthouse, declaring partial victory while preparing for continued legal battles.

Combs, 55, was found guilty Wednesday morning on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. However, he was acquitted on three more serious charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking, which carried potential life sentences. He now faces a maximum of 20 years behind bars and was denied bail, remaining in custody until sentencing in October.

Lead attorney Marc Agnifilo described the outcome as a “great victory” for his client and the justice system. “It’s a great victory for Sean Combs, it’s a great victory for the jury system,” he said. Despite the guilty verdicts, Agnifilo emphasized that Combs was spared the most serious allegations. “The jurors got the situation right — or, certainly, right enough.”

Surrounded by a large crowd of journalists and onlookers, Combs’ legal team presented a unified front. Attorney Teny Geragos reiterated her client’s denial of the most damaging allegations. “Sean Combs has not sexually assaulted anybody. I’ve been saying that for months. The media got it wrong.”

In contrast, defense attorney Brian Steel offered a measured acknowledgment of the press, stating, “I want to thank you all for being here and writing truthfully.” Nicole Westmoreland, another member of Combs’ legal team, said she was “proud” of the rapper for “battling for his freedom.”

Attorney Xavier Donaldson confirmed the legal fight would continue, though the team declined to comment on whether they would appeal the judge’s bail ruling. Agnifilo concluded, “We are not nearly done fighting. We’re not going to stop until he walks out of prison a free man to his family.”

The jury reached its decision after three days of deliberations following an intense eight-week trial. Prosecutors called 34 witnesses, including former employees and ex-girlfriends, who described allegations ranging from rape and physical assault to kidnapping, arson, and drug-fueled "freak offs." Prosecutors argued that Combs ran a criminal enterprise, aided by a loyal inner circle who helped facilitate and conceal the alleged crimes.

The defense countered that Combs was a flawed man but not a criminal mastermind. They described his relationships as part of a consensual swingers lifestyle between adults, denying any conspiracy or enterprise.

Combs, visibly emotional after the verdict, pumped his fist and mouthed “thank you” to the jury. Members of his legal team and family were seen in tears inside the courtroom.

While the federal criminal case marks a significant chapter in Combs’ legal saga, it is far from over. The music mogul is still facing dozens of civil lawsuits alleging rape, assault, and other serious offenses, many of which remain pending.