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(New York, NY) — He was sitting on top of the rap world for decades making millions of dollars, but now Sean Puffy Combs is sitting inside a jail cell in Manhattan. On July 2nd, 55-year-old Combs was found guilty of transporting people for prostitution, while he was found not guilty on racketeering and sex trafficking, which were the more serious charges. The jury deliberated for 13 hours before making its decision.
Bo Snerdley discussed the verdict…
Combs and his lawyers were jubilant after the acquittals on the more severe charges, with Combs getting on his knees in prayer in the courtroom and mouthing “thank you, thank you” to the jurors and started a round of applause. The former music mogul was ordered to remain behind bars until his sentencing on October 3rd. The judge cited Combs’ history of domestic violence for keeping him behind bars. During the bail hearing, Combs turned to family members and said “We’ll make it through this. Love you all.” When bail was denied, Combs blew his family a kiss and said, “Stay in the light, I’ll see you when I get out.”
Lionel spoke about the case on his show….
Later in the day, outside the courthouse, Combs lead attorney Marc Agnifilo, said, “Its a great victory for Sean Combs. It’s a great victory for the jury system” and that he was “absolutely innocent of” the more serious charges. He added, “We are not nearly done fighting. We’re not going to stop until he walks out of prison a free man to his family.” Meantime, the lawyer for Combs’ former girlfriend Casandra Ventura, said Combs has “finally been held responsible for two federal crimes, something he’s never faced in his life.” Ms. Ventura was the woman Combs was seen assaulting in a hotel lobby.
A Personal Note….
I have known Sean Combs due to my work on the radio for three decades. I first met him back in the 90s when I was co-host of the hip-hop morning show on Hot 97 radio here in New York City. I don’t consider myself a friend of his, but because of my job, I saw him many times through the years. Back then, he needed our airwaves to play his music and artists and he never turned down the opportunity to come on the air and promote things.
Here’s a photo of Sean, Pepa (of the rap group Salt-n-Pepa) and myself.
