Diddy trial verdict sparks outrage: 50 Cent, Kesha and others speak out

Disgraced music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has been found guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution while being acquitted of more severe charges, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.

The verdict in the high-profile trial, delivered on Wednesday, July 2, has prompted a flurry of responses from Hollywood stars, each weighing in on the implications of the case.

Among the loud voices expressing their thoughts was rapper Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, a long-time rival of Combs, who took to Instagram to post: "Diddy beat the Rico, that boy a bad man! 👏👏👏, he like the Gay John Gotti."

Aubrey O'Day, the former member of the girl group Danity Kane, which was formed under Combs’s Bad Boy Records, shared: "I’m still unpacking the magnitude of it all. The cultural weight of this decision is immeasurable."

She expressed sympathy for Cassie Ventura, Combs’s ex-girlfriend and the victim in one of the charges he was convicted of, stating: "My heart is with Cassie. A woman who could’ve had a life and career free of fear and control."

Rosie O'Donnell also voiced her outrage, noting on Instagram: "Guess a jury just never wants to believe that a woman stays because of power and coercion - wow - they just think women stay because what? money - fame - 'they love the abuse'.

"What a f*****g joke. This decision got me angry."

Singer-songwriter, Kesha, expressed her solidarity with Ventura, saying: "Cassie, I believe you. I love you. Your strength is a beacon for every survivor." 

Following the jury's verdict, Ventura’s attorney issued a statement in support of her client, acknowledging that while the jury did not convict Combs of sex trafficking, Ventura's courage in coming forward has paved the way for change. 

"This case proved that change is long overdue," attorney Douglas H. Wigdor stated.

He highlighted Ventura's bravery as critical in bringing attention to the misconduct that has persisted within the industry for decades.

Under the law, the charges against Diddy carry significant penalties. While found not guilty of the more severe crimes, the transportation to engage in prostitution count could result in a sentence of up to ten years.