The public is reacting to Sean “Diddy” Combs being found not guilty of the more serious charges against him and only being found guilty of violating the Mann Act.
Many commentators agree that while Combs didn’t get off scot-free, he did escape a life sentence, which was a possibility if he’d been found guilty of all charges.
“This is f***ng ridiculous,” journalist Megyn Kelly said, reacting to what transpired in the courtroom. “I just find it absolutely outrageous the amount of crime that this guy just got away with.”
She went on, “I believe he committed arson. He definitely battered [ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura]. He battered Jane, too. The statute of limitations for battery in Los Angeles, California, is one year. So if they didn’t charge him for battery within one year, and they couldn’t, because he bought the tape and it remained hidden thanks to those security guards out there, then they could never charge him with that again.”
“He was a famous man, and they didn’t want to find him guilty,” Kelly said at another point, adding that she plans to make it her “personal mission” to “maintain his humiliation in the minds of all Americans.”
Actress Rosie O’Donnell also weighed in on the situation, writing on Instagram, “i guess a jury just never wants to believe that a woman stays because of power and coercion—wow—they just think women stay because what? money—fame—‘they love the abuse’ – what a f***ing joke. this decision got me angry.”
Rapper 50 Cent, who has been openly critical of Diddy throughout the trial, also posted on Instagram about the verdict. “Diddy beat the Rico, that boy a bad man !” he wrote. “he like the Gay John Gotti.”
Ventura’s lawyer, Douglas H. Wigdor, also shared a statement: “This entire criminal process started when our client Cassie Ventura had the courage to file her civil complaint in November 2023. Although the jury did not find Combs guilty of sex trafficking Cassie beyond a reasonable doubt, she paved the way for a jury to find him guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution. By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice,” he wrote, per Good Morning America.
He went on, “We must repeat – with no reservation – that we believe and support our client who showed exemplary courage throughout this trial. She displayed unquestionable strength and brought attention to the realities of powerful men in our orbit and the misconduct that has persisted for decades without repercussion. This case proved that change is long overdue, and we will continue to fight on behalf of survivors.”
According to some reports, people outside the courthouse reacted to the “not guilty” verdict by pouring baby oil on themselves in celebration. This was a reference to the vast amounts of baby oil reportedly recovered from Combs’ residence, which was used during his infamous “freak off” sex parties.
