At the end of the Manhattan court, lawyer Douglas Wigdor did not hide a form of satisfaction, despite P. Diddy’s acquittal for the heaviest charges. “We are happy that he was finally held responsible for two federal crimes, to which he was never confronted with in his life,” he said. “He still risks a significant imprisonment. »»
P. Diddy, his real name Sean Combs, was found guilty Wednesday July 2 of transport of people for prostitution purposes, but acquitted accusations of sexual traffic and association of criminals. The most severe accusation was liable to life for life.
Up to 10 years in prison per charge
Douglas Wigdor stresses that “each of them can go up to 10 years’ imprisonment”. “I do not know which guidelines in terms of conviction taking into account the various elements, but I can confirm with confidence that it risks a substantial imprisonment penalty,” he added.
If he recognizes that the jury has not retained the sexual accusations covered by the Rico law, he considers that this condemnation remains an advance: “We understand that a reasonable doubt is enough, and we are delighted that he must still serve a long penalty of imprisonment. »»
Serious accusations
The very publicized trial focused on serious facts. P. Diddy was accused of having set up a network to force women-including Cassie Ventura, his partner between 2007 and 2018-to participate in “freak-offs”, sex marathons organized with prostitutes, while he was looking, filmed or masturbate.
Video recordings, including a violent scene in a hotel in Los Angeles showing rapper dragging Cassie on the ground, were presented to the jurors. “He had so far beyond the limits that he could not even see them anymore,” said the prosecutor Maurene Comey, calling for a conviction on all the counts.
A decision expected on the penalty
Judge Arun Subramanian, who praised the rigor of the work of the jurors, will still have to fix the penalty. P. Diddy’s lawyer asked for his release under conditions, highlighting the acquittal on the most serious charges.
For Douglas Wigdor, justice, however, has scored a point: “It is a first form of recognition for the victims, and a strong signal that no one is above the laws. »»
Douglas Wigdor
