Cassie's lawyer 'pleased' with Diddy trial verdict: 'He's finally been held responsible'
Casandra "Cassie" Ventura Fine's attorney is weighing in on the verdict in Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex-crimes trial.
Douglas H. Wigdor, a lawyer who represented Ventura Fine in her civil lawsuit against the music mogul, reacted to the jury's decision to acquit the once-powerful rapper of racketeering and sex-trafficking charges, while finding him guilty of two counts on the charge of transportation to engage in prostitution.
"We're pleased that he's finally been held responsible for two federal crimes, something that he's never faced in his life," Wigdor said to reporters on July 2. "He still faces substantial jail time."
Wigdor told reporters that while "we would have liked" to have seen a conviction on the other charges, "we're hopeful" for "a substantial sentence" for the rapper, who faces up to 20 years in prison. He added that he just spoke with Ventura Fine, who is "in a good place."
During the trial, Ventura Fine provided emotional testimony over four days accusing Combs of abuse during their relationship. Her 2023 civil filing alleging rape and abuse, which was quickly settled, opened the floodgates to a series of similar allegations against the mogul. Wigdor praised Ventura Fine for having the "courage" to share her story publicly.
In an additional statement provided to Paste BN, Wigdor said, "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."
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."
Jurors also heard from witnesses including "Jane," a woman using a pseudonym who was romantically involved with Combs. She testified that she told Combs that she did not want to participate in "freak offs" but that she felt an "obligation" to do so because he was paying her rent.
The verdict is seen as a significant victory for Combs. The two charges on which he was convicted involve violations of the Mann Act in transporting Ventura Fine and "Jane," his two former girlfriends.
Prosecutors made the case during the trial that Combs led a criminal enterprise and coerced his victims into participating in sex-parties known as "freak offs," while Combs' defense argued that the accusers participated willingly. Those "freak offs" often involved travel across state and even international boundaries, which the jury decided violated the federal law known as The Mann Act, which prohibits the interstate or foreign transportation of individuals for the purpose of prostitution or other immoral activities.
Rapper Kid Cudi, who was romantically involved with Ventura Fine, also testified during the trial that Ventura Fine told him that Combs assaulted her, and he claimed that Combs broke into his home when he found out about the relationship.
The defense did not call any witnesses during the trial, and Combs opted not to testify.
Contributing: Josh Meyer, Patrick Ryan and Aysha Bagchi