The family and fans of rapper P. Diddy consider the verdict of the jury a victory. What the media is writing

Rapper Sean Combs, also known as P. Diddy, escaped a life sentence that threatened him on a combination of charges of organizing scandalous sex parties. He was found guilty of only two of the least serious episodes. The musician will remain in prison until the final sentencing, which will take place in October. What the media write about the results of the high—profile trial is in the Izvestia digest.

NBC News: Combs convicted only of lesser crimes

Sean Combs, who was accused of sexually assaulting women and forcing them to participate in orgies under the influence of drugs, was acquitted of most of the charges. Following three days of deliberations, the jury found the 55-year-old musician not guilty of conspiracy to commit racketeering and two counts of human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation using force, fraud or coercion. Combs was found guilty on two counts of transporting people for prostitution.

District Judge Arun Subramanian said prosecutors had presented evidence that Combs had committed violence over the years and continued to pose a danger to others. He set the sentencing date for October 3. Prosecutors are demanding four to five years in prison for the rapper.

BBC News: Combs denied bail from prison

The judge refused to release Combs on bail after the jury found the rap mogul guilty of transporting people for prostitution, but acquitted him of the most serious charges: racketeering and human trafficking for sexual exploitation. The artist's lawyers argued that he posed no danger of escape, pointing out that his plane was in Hawaii.

Combs' lawyer, Mark Agnifilo, presented colorful arguments in favor of the judge releasing his client. He stated that Combs attended a program for perpetrators of domestic violence to try to correct his behavior even before his arrest, and that he had not shown aggression since 2018. However, Combs' ex-girlfriend, musician Casandra Ventura, warned the court in a letter that the rapper was a danger if released.

The Guardian: Combs fans welcomed the verdict

After the jury returned a mixed verdict in the Combs case, supporters of the 55-year-old music mogul gathered outside the courthouse in Manhattan to celebrate the event. Many chanted his name and cheered as several members of his family left the building after the announcement. Fans included the track Diddy Free, released during the final debate by the rapper's son King Combs and Kanye West.

In the late afternoon, as the crowd outside the courthouse began to grow, the NYPD increased its presence near the courthouse. While Combs' supporters cheered, organizations providing support to victims of sexual and domestic violence said they were disappointed with the verdict. More than 50 media representatives also gathered outside the courthouse to cover the sentencing and its aftermath.

The Washington Post: Lawyers doubted the charges of racketeering

Some legal experts who followed the criminal trial called it natural that Combs was acquitted of conspiracy to commit racketeering. This required prosecutors to prove that the musician led an operation involving employees who facilitated rapes and drug distribution, organized in such a way that it looked like a mafia criminal network.

Attorney Jeffrey Lichtman, who represented mafia bosses, described Combs as "a guy who led a shady lifestyle and ran a music empire," but said that "charges under the RICO act are completely inappropriate here." Unlike other similar cases, Combs' case did not have a witness who would testify that a specific organization had committed the crimes.

Associated Press: Combs can count on public rehabilitation

For almost two years, a steady stream of accusations and revelations has been destroying Combs' carefully crafted reputation as an affable celebrity entrepreneur, host of top parties, Grammy Award winner, brand ambassador, and reality TV star. It culminated in the verdict, according to which he was acquitted of the most serious charges, although he was found guilty of two less serious ones. The stratospheric heights of his past life may no longer be possible to return, but the question remains whether partial conviction can mean partial public rehabilitation, or whether too much damage has been done.

Managing public narratives—something Combs has previously excelled at—will be crucial. He could position himself as a survivor who defied the federal authorities and emerged victorious, or as a repentant Christian seeking redemption, or both. Nierman said that this fight "will now become part of the mythology of Sean Combs." The rapper fell to his knees and prayed in the courtroom after he was acquitted. This moment seemed to be spontaneous, but it could also be considered the beginning of a renaissance.