Cassie Ventura's lawyers react to Diddy's sentencing: 'Bravery...inspiration to many'
What's the story
Sean "Diddy" Combs's ex-girlfriend, Casandra "Cassie" Ventura's legal team has reacted to his sentencing. On Friday, the former music mogul was sentenced to 50 months in prison after a nearly two-month federal trial. He was convicted on two counts of transportation for prostitution in July. The sentence includes four years and two months of supervised release and a $500,000 fine, the maximum possible penalty.
Legal statement
'Sentence imposed today recognizes the impact of the serious offenses'
Ventura's attorneys, Douglas Wigdor and Meredith Firetog of Wigdor LLP, released a statement after the sentencing. They said, "While nothing can undo the trauma caused by Combs, the sentence imposed today recognizes the impact of the serious offenses he committed." "We are confident that with the support of her family and friends, Ms. Ventura will continue healing knowing that her bravery and fortitude have been an inspiration to so many."
Details
Ventura's allegations against Combs
Ventura was in a tumultuous relationship with Combs from 2007-2018. The singer alleged that during this time, Combs would organize days-long "freak offs," where he'd hire male escorts for her to have sex with, while the music mogul watched. She also detailed situations where Combs would physically assault her and blackmail her with the videos of the "freak-offs" to prevent her from telling anyone about these incidents. During her testimony, she revealed that he "controlled" her life.
Conviction overview
What was Combs convicted of?
Combs was convicted on two counts of arranging paid male escorts to cross state lines for drug-fueled sexual encounters with his girlfriends. He was acquitted of racketeering and sex trafficking charges, which could have resulted in a life sentence. Prosecutors alleged that Combs used violence and intimidation to force Ventura and another woman into these acts.
Legal strategy
He plans to appeal the conviction
Combs, who pleaded not guilty, is expected to appeal his conviction after sentencing. His lawyers admitted he had physically abused his girlfriends but argued they willingly participated in the sexual performances. Defense lawyer advocated for a 14-month sentence, which would have meant, Combs could be released by year's end after accounting for time served.