A series of dramatic courtroom sketches captured the exact moment that Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs fell to his knees upon learning the jury had reached a split verdict.
Combs was convicted on two prostitution-related offenses, but his acquittal on three more serious charges means he will avoid a life sentence. Although he faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, advisory sentencing guidelines fall far short of that.
Thus, there was reason for Combs to be happy, and his reaction showed it. Federal court proceedings aren’t televised, so a courtroom sketch artist was left to document the rapper’s reaction.
CNN rounded up a series of sketches. Combs hasn’t been thrilled with the courtroom sketches during his trial. According to CBS News, he previously asked sketch artist Jane Rosenberg to “soften it up a bit,” because he believed he looked like a “koala” in her sketches.
One of the sketches published by CNN shows a clearly emotional Combs on his knees, his face pressed against a courtroom chair, his hands clutched before him.
The Associated Press also published courtroom sketches showing Diddy’s reaction.
According to CNN, Combs made a variety of gestures to the split verdict that revealed his emotions.
At first, he “was sitting with his hands clasped in his lap,” when the verdict was announced, according to CNN.
When he heard “not guilty” on the racketeering charge, his emotions showed. He “put his head in his hand,” CNN reported.
After he was acquitted on two sex trafficking charges, Combs did a “subtle fist bump.”
Combs also “fell to his knees and prayed” in the courtroom, following the verdict, the Associated Press noted.
According to the AP, Combs’ family members applauded the verdict, and he made a few comments to them.
“I’ll be home soon,” he said at one point, according to AP.
“I love you, Mom,” he added.
The legal odyssey isn’t over — Combs is seeking release on $1 million bail, and a sentencing hearing has yet to be scheduled.
