Music mogul Sean Combs was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges but convicted of transporting individuals for prostitution following an eight-week federal trial in Manhattan. Combs, 55, celebrated after the jury found him not guilty on Wednesday of the most severe charges. However, he was convicted of the lesser charge of transportation to engage in prostitution, leaving his legal challenges far from over.

Later today, a judge will decide whether Combs will be released on bond pending sentencing. The defense team is scheduled to address the media outside the courthouse following the decision.

Federal prosecutors had alleged Combs coerced two former girlfriends, Cassandra Ventura and another woman known pseudonymously as "Jane," into non-consensual sexual encounters with male prostitutes, facilitated by compliant employees. Despite the acquittal on the primary charges, Combs faces significant consequences on the charges he was found guilty of.

Jay Clayton, interim U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, stated in a response to the verdict: "Sex crimes deeply scar victims, and the disturbing reality is that sex crimes are all too present in many aspects of our society. Victims endure gut-wrenching physical and mental abuse, leading to lasting trauma. New Yorkers and all Americans want this scourge stopped and perpetrators brought to justice."

Clayton emphasized the importance of courageous victims coming forward, underscoring that the prosecution took a victim-centered approach to the case. Ricky J. Patel, special agent in charge of the Homeland Security Investigations New York field office, co-signed the statement, highlighting the collaborative nature of the investigation.

While the verdict represents a partial victory for Combs, the conviction on transporting individuals for prostitution means he could still face substantial penalties. The decision on his detention status today will significantly impact his immediate future as he awaits sentencing.