Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial has officially ended. He was found guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution and not guilty on the racketeering and sex trafficking charges. Cassie Ventura, as expected, followed up on the verdict with a measured statement through her lawyers.
Per Page Six, Cassie’s lawyer Doug Widor credited her for having the courage to file the civil lawsuit against the mogul, a move that sparked the entire fallout and the subsequent criminal consequences. Cassie’s lawyer was unbowed in his statement, glossing over Diddy’s acquittals on the racketeering and sex trafficking charges and instead focusing on how Cassie’s case paved the way for his guilty verdict on the prostitution counts.
For Widor, Cassie’s legacy will be far more important than any single verdict Diddy’s case could deliver. Widor explained, “This case proved that change is long overdue, and we will continue to fight on behalf of survivors.” He added that Cassie is pleased Diddy will face jail time for his two federal crimes.
Cassie’s harrowing testimony was ultimately the one testimony that ensured Diddy was not going to beat all charges, regardless of how things eventually turned out. She took the stand while heavily pregnant, and as transcripts and court sketches came out, they pointed to an emotional person reliving her worst experiences, showing how the Bad Boy executive was controlling, abusive, and pushed her to commit sexual acts she didn’t feel comfortable with. Cassie ultimately shared that her decision to file the lawsuit was inspired by her children.
Diddy immediately filed for bail, alleging he was not a flight risk and promising he would stay drug-free while out. Cassie asked the court to deny him bail — and sure enough, the request was swiftly denied. Diddy had reportedly already planned a welcome-home party. Meanwhile, supporters outside the courthouse, who viewed the verdict as a partial win, had started celebrating in the streets. Regardless Diddy will, indeed, stay behind bars as he awaits sentencing.
As for whether this means Diddy’s troubles are behind him — highly unlikely. The upcoming sentencing will determine how long these convictions will keep him behind bars, and he still faces other similar allegations, including some involving his children. So while this moment might seem like a sigh of relief for him, it is more likely the beginning of a “death by a thousand cuts” situation.
There are a few peers, like Kanye West, who have embraced the Bad Boy rapper, but that list is shrinking by the day. Kanye West is not exactly a person whose actions make sense to most people. Diddy’s name is now synonymous with his alleged and convicted crimes, and nobody with a thriving career wants to be seen anywhere near him.
So yes, Cassie ultimately got justice. Does it look like what many expected? No, but few things ever do. The fact remains: the “Me & U” star spoke her truth when every sign told her not to, and she stood by it. Now, the hip-hop industry is forever changed. Congratulations on a good fight, Cassie Ventura.
