Cassie‘s attorney, Douglas H. Wigdor, issued a public statement on Wednesday morning (July 2) following the reading of the verdict in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial in New York City.
The disgraced Bad Boy mogul faced a mixed verdict as he was convicted on two counts of prostitution but evaded more serious charges such as racketeering and sex trafficking. Diddy’s conviction comes with no mandatory minimum and a maximum sentence of 20 years.
Wigdor championed Cassie’s “unquestionable strength” for taking the stand as her bombshell civil lawsuit essentially lit the fuse for Diddy’s federal indictment.
“This entire criminal process started when our client Cassie Ventura had the courage to file her civil complaint in November 2023. Although the jury did not find Combs 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,” he said in a statement to Billboard. “By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice.”
He continued: “We must repeat – with no reservation – that we believe and support our client who showed exemplary courage throughout this trial. 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.”
Cassie filed an explosive lawsuit against Diddy in November 2023 accusing the New York hip-hop staple of rape and continued sexual abuse throughout their decade-plus-long relationship. The case was settled in less than 24 hours.
The “Me & U” singer took the stand for an emotional four-day testimony in May and served as a key witness for the prosecution. Footage from the alleged “freak-offs” was played for the jury, along with the 2016 hotel footage showing Diddy physically assaulting Cassie.
After drawing an acquittal on the heaviest of charges, Diddy is now awaiting sentencing for the pair of prostitution/transportation charges.
