Cassie Ventura’s legal team issued a pointed statement following Diddy’s partial acquittal in a federal RICO case, saying her decision to come forward helped expose long-ignored abuse in the entertainment world.
On Wednesday (July 2), a Manhattan jury found the 55-year-old mogul guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution but cleared him of racketeering and sex trafficking charges.
The acquittals spared Diddy from a potential life sentence, though he still faces up to 20 years behind bars, although it’s doubtful he’ll get that much time.
Attorney Douglas Wigdor, who represents Ventura, said the case began with her bravery.
“This entire criminal process started when our client Cassie Ventura had the courage to file her civil complaint in November 2023,” Wigdor said in a statement. “Although the jury did not find [Diddy] 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.”
Diddy, who has been jailed in New York since his September 2024 arrest, showed little emotion as the verdicts were announced. He held his hands together in a prayer-like gesture and gave a slight fist pump.
After the court adjourned, Diddy reportedly knelt beside his chair and bowed his head as relatives applauded. He told them he “will be home soon” as he was being led back into custody.
Wigdor praised Ventura’s role in the case, saying, “By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice. 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.”
Diddy’s attorney, Marc Agnifilo, requested that the court release his client on bail and allow him to return to his Florida home.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey opposed the motion, warning the court there is a “real risk that he will flagrantly disregard orders from this court, that he will commit new crimes and that he will attempt to flee justice.”
Judge Arun Subramanian asked both parties to submit written arguments before making a decision on bail.
Diddy has denied all allegations and still faces multiple civil lawsuits related to sexual abuse. Ventura’s initial lawsuit, filed in November 2023, was quickly settled privately for $20 million.
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