American rapper and producer Sean Combs, also known as the scandalous P. Diddy, has avoided life imprisonment. After 13 hours of deliberation, a Manhattan federal court jury acquitted the 55-year-old artist of the most serious charges against him — human trafficking and racketeering.
At the same time, the rapper was found guilty of two counts of trafficking people for the purpose of prostitution. Although these charges are not as serious, each carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, according to The New York Times.
The trial lasted almost two months, during which more than 30 people testified, including the rapper’s ex-girlfriend, singer Cassie, as well as security personnel from the hotels where the infamous parties allegedly took place. However, the musician’s defense arguments that all sexual relations were consensual and that the accusations were the result of emotions and personal conflicts proved more convincing than the prosecution’s evidence.
At the same time, the judge rejected the motion to release the rapper on bail. P. Diddy will remain in custody until October, when a decisive hearing on the verdict and prison term is scheduled.