Diddy Convicted on Prostitution Charges, Faces 20 Years

Sean 'Diddy' Combs was convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution but acquitted of the more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering after an eight-week federal trial in New York. The conviction carries a possible sentence of up to 20 years in prison. The trial featured 34 witnesses, including ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, and included evidence such as surveillance footage of Combs assaulting Ventura. Prosecutors argued that Combs abused his fame and wealth to control and exploit women, while the defense contended the women were willing participants. The jury of eight men and four women initially deadlocked on the racketeering charge before being instructed by the judge to continue deliberations. The verdict represents a significant fall from grace for Combs and is expected to have lasting consequences for his career.