NEW YORK (AP) Sean “Diddy” Combs received a standing ovation from fellow inmates upon returning to jail after the jury acquitted him of several serious charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. His attorney, Marc Agnifilo, emphasized that this moment might have provided hope to Black incarcerated men in America, as they seldom witness someone triumph over the government’s allegations.
Agnifilo detailed the reactions from the inmates, who expressed admiration by stating, “We never get to see anyone who beats the government.” Despite the acquittals, Combs, 55, remains incarcerated following a conviction on prostitution-related charges and could potentially face years in prison at an upcoming sentencing, having been credited for ten months already served.
Following federal raids on his residences in Los Angeles and Miami in March 2024, Agnifilo advised Combs to prepare for an arrest on the sex trafficking charges. He recounted telling Combs that perhaps his destiny was to be the person who prevails, a notion Combs appeared to embrace.
During the trial, which extended over two months, a skilled team of eight defense lawyers led by Agnifilo employed a straightforward strategy that resonated with jurors. Combs, who did not testify, passed notes to his attorneys as they cross-examined nearly three dozen witnesses, including former employees, portraying him as a jealous domestic abuser entangled in a swinger lifestyle.
Agnifilo, recognizing the clear distinctions between Combs’ personal life and the charges against him, argued that while the evidence may have painted Combs as a problematic partner, it did not amount to sex trafficking. This direct approach was deemed a “no brainer” by Agnifilo, who aimed to delineate the prosecution’s narrative from the actual facts.
Initially, tension arose when jurors indicated a deadlock on the racketeering count while reaching a verdict on the sex trafficking and lesser charges. However, the following day they resumed deliberations, eventually delivering a verdict that aligned with Agnifilo’s optimism regarding the outcome of the trial.
In the courtroom, Combs appeared rejuvenated, praying with his family before the verdict was announced. The relief and gratitude were apparent as he mouthed “thank you” to the jury and acknowledged the applause from supporters. Following the verdict, Agnifilo reflected on the significance of the outcome, characterizing it as a “major victory for the defense” and a significant setback for the prosecution.
Agnifilo’s strategy centered around undermining the charges and critiquing the investigation that led to them. Notably, the defense managed to dismantle the prosecution’s case without calling any witnesses, showcasing their narrative deftly from the defense side. This approach was praised by legal experts, including Sarah Krissoff, a former federal prosecutor, who noted the effectiveness of their strategy.
Looking towards the future, Agnifilo acknowledged that once Combs secures his release, he would likely need to enroll again in a program addressing domestic abuse, an initiative he had started prior to his legal troubles. Agnifilo expressed confidence in Combs' desire for self-improvement, recognizing that fame and wealth do not shield one from personal flaws.
In the aftermath of the trial, a surprising incident unfolded when a man suffered violent seizures outside the courtroom. Agnifilo, who has experience with such medical emergencies, assisted in stabilizing the individual until help arrived, illustrating the dramatic and unpredictable nature of the day.
