Sean “Diddy” Combs’ lead attorney Marc Agnifilo said the embattled music executive received a standing ovation from his fellow inmates after a federal jury reached a split verdict in his high-profile case.
As previously reported by Face2Face Africa, Combs, 55, was arrested by federal agents on September 16 and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
The jury on July 2 convicted Combs of two counts of Mann Act violations for transporting male escorts and former girlfriends Cassie Ventura and “Jane” for sex. He was also facing life in prison if convicted of the more grievous sex trafficking and racketeering charges, but he was ultimately acquitted by the jury.
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Agnifilo told PEOPLE that Combs’ inmates received his acquittal with optimism. “They all said, ‘We never get to see anyone who beats the government,’ “ Agnifilo said.
Agnifilo also touched on Combs’ mental and emotional wellbeing, revealing that he and the 55-year-old usually communicate four or five times daily.
“He’s doing okay,” he said. The attorney then went on to say that his client “realizes he has flaws like everyone else that he never worked on.”
“He burns hot in all matters. I think what he has come to see is that he has these flaws and there’s no amount of fame and no amount of fortune that can erase them,” Agnifilo added. “You can’t cover them up.”
Despite his acquittal, Judge Arun Subramanian on July 2 ruled that Combs remain in custody while awaiting sentencing. He could face a maximum of 20 years in prison for the charges he was convicted on — 10 years for each count.
Ventura’s attorney, Douglas Wigdor, had earlier asked Subramanian to deny Combs’ request for bail ahead of his sentencing. Wigdor argued in a letter filed to the court that Combs could pose a threat to others, and his ongoing detention is required under a federal law, the Bail Reform Act.
“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 added.
Combs’ defense team had also submitted its own letter arguing he should be released ahead of his sentencing. Prosecutors also asked Subramanian not to release Combs ahead of his sentencing on October 3.
READ ALSO: Diddy acquitted of sex trafficking, convicted on Mann Act charges in explosive trial
