Filipino American victim pushes to keep Sean "Diddy" Combs behind bars

Cassie Ventura had an abusive 20-year relationiship with Sean 'Dddy' Combs.

A New York jury found Sean "Diddy" Combs not guilty on racketeering and sex trafficking charges but guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.

Evidently, the jury believed the defense's argument that the star witness, Filipino American singer Cassie Ventura consented to the abuse that she received from the Grammy award rapper. Combs was found not guilty of racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking, but was found guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution of Ventura and another woman identified as "Jane."

After the verdict was read, Douglas Wigdor, Ventura's lawyer, handed a letter to Judge Arun Subramanian. The letter urged the judge in Sean "Diddy" Combs' federal trial to deny his release on bond. In the letter, Wigdor shared Ventura's concern that Combs could pose a danger to her or others.

"Ms. Ventura believes that Mr. Combs is likely to pose a danger to the victims who testified in this case, including herself, as well as to the community," Wigdor wrote in the letter given to People.

The judge agreed and denied Combs bail. He will remain in custody until his sentencing at a date to be determined.

During the 28-day trial featuring 33 witnesses besides Vetura's. One of the key pieces of evidence was a security videotape at a Los Angeles hotel. Ventura tried to leave Combs' suite but he chased her into the hallway where he kicked and punched her as she curled up into a fetal position protect herself. The tape showed Combs grabbing her by the hair and pulling her back into the hotel room.

Subramanian ruled that psychologist Dawn Hughes was not allowed to discuss "coercive control," which is a type of domestic abuse. She was, however, allowed to discuss coping strategies for victims and explain why victims may stay in abusive or violent relationships. Victims can form trauma bonds with their abusers, she testified.

            FYI: Legal expert explains Combs' acquittals

After the verdict, Ventura's lawyer issued a statement to the media.

"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 July 2 statement to E! News.

“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. By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice. We must repeat – with no reservation – that we believe and support our client who showed exemplary courage throughout this trial.”

He went on to praise Ventura's courage for coming forward.

“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,” Wigdor continued. “This case proved that change is long overdue, and we will continue to fight on behalf of survivors."

Although he was found "not guilty" on the more serious charges of trafficking, thus avoiding a potential life sentence, Combs could still serve a maximum of 20 years behind bars for the two guilty verdicts of transportation. In addition, Combs still faces the possibility of scores of civil suits from other witnesses and victims.

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