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Is everyone watching the Diddy trial about to be disappointed? It kinda sounds like it…
As we wait for the verdict, what we know is the jury has already made their decision on four of the five charges. The only one they’re still at odds on is racketeering conspiracy. We understand that’s the most complicated to understand charge, so there might be more gray area where folks could get mired in ideas of intent.
But we also took the confidence with which the jury reached the verdict on the rest to mean they felt secure convicting on the two sex trafficking charges and prostitution counts. But an expert is raining on our parade a bit!
Related: What We Know About The 12 Jurors In Diddy Trial
Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani told People he’s “doubtful” Diddy is going to be found guilty of sex trafficking! He explained how it’s particularly hard to prove coercion — even if the alleged victims say they were afraid. It may seem to the jury that, at the time, Diddy didn’t think he was intimidating the women he was dating, not when it came to their sexual activities:
“The defense obviously made a pretty strong argument that all of this was consensual.”
The jury did ask for some of the transcript of Cassie Ventura‘s testimony — which included her text to Diddy saying, “I wanna Freak Off so bad.” It certainly does qualify as proof of consent. Though, if you believe Cassie now, even her enthusiasm at the time was because of what Diddy would do to her when he was upset. And the absolute proof — video and photos — of Diddy’s abuse are strong corroboration of that version of events.
Still, if the jury doesn’t think Diddy believed he was coercing these women… will they convict him? It’s a tough call.
Innerestingly, Rahmani thinks “in some ways” the feds may be more likely to get a conviction on the racketeering charge that’s in such hot contention!
If the jury buy that Diddy was involved in various criminal enterprises like drugs and guns — and there was certainly evidence that pointed to those things — they “can get to racketeering” if they don’t convict on the sex trafficking charges.
Rahmani’s boldest prediction? The verdict is coming SOON!
He figures since they’ve been told to reach a unanimous decision on the final charge, they’ll do it sooner rather than later. After all, they won’t want to worry about doing this on July 4 weekend!
“Never underestimate the power of a three-day weekend. We get 12 strangers motivated to get their act together.”
Damn, that’s cynical, but it’s also shrewd. The kind of thing a seasoned lawyer thinks about. It may not have anything to do with “the law” — but it makes sense to us.
What do YOU think, Perezcious paralegals? Is Diddy about to go free on the sex trafficking charges??
[Image via Derrick Salters/FayesVision/WENN.]
