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    Exclusive | Diddy’s career is likely to bounce back after bombshell trial verdict, experts say: People are ‘very forgiving’

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    Sean “Diddy” Combs was found guilty on prostitution charges Wednesday, but he is likely still innocent in the court of public opinion, multiple experts exclusively tell Page Six.

    “In terms of pop culture, I understand that they are looking already to have a party for him and his release,” entertainment lawyer Lisa Bonner tells us after the verdict was reached.

    “It’s important to understand that he had a large contingent of people that were behind him and were in support of him. And Americans, we are very forgiving, especially in the black community.”

    Sean “Diddy” Combs’ career is likely to bounce back after his trial verdict, experts agree. NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
    Combs was found guilty of prostitution charges, but not guilty of sex trafficking and racketeering Wednesday. AP

    Bonner’s opinions were corroborated by the crowds of fans cheering outside of the courtroom — with some even pouring baby oil on themselves — after Combs’ verdict was read in Manhattan federal court.

    Bonner, however, added, “It’s still a divide, and there are still people that do believe that he was guilty of these charges, but the only thing that matters is what the jury has stated.”

    Despite the disgraced rap mogul, 55, being found guilty of two transportation to engage in prostitution charges, he was found not guilty of the more serious charges, sex trafficking and racketeering, which fueled the celebrations.

    Former Manhattan prosecutor Michael Bachner — who once defended Combs in a separate trial in 2001 — says that while the rapper “may suffer some initial setbacks,” it is “very likely he will bounce back.”

    “Certainly his reputation has taken a hit, but having been acquitted of the very serious charges I think over time his career will rebound,” the New York-based lawyer tells Page Six.

    “Ironically, in the first Combs trial back in 2001 where I represented one of his co-defendants, Anthony Jones, another co-defendant and a rapper known as Shyne, [he] was able to revive his career somewhat after doing a significant state jail sentence.”

    “Americans, we are very forgiving, especially in the black community,” lawyer Lisa Bonner tells Page Six. Niyi Fote/TheNEWS2 via ZUMA Press Wire / SplashNews.com
    Mobs of fans were seen celebrating outside of Combs’ trial on Wednesday. Gregory P. Mango

    Attorney Paul DerOhannesian agrees that Combs is likely to resume his career and business activities as usual following his prison release, particularly because he is part of showbiz.

    “Unlike some careers, such as law or politics where a felony conviction can derail a career, the entertainment industry is much more forgiving even if he is initially received more cautiously,” the criminal defense attorney explains to Page Six.

    However, Bonner points out that the Bad Boy Records founder will need to work hard to dig himself out of a deep financial hole, given that he is fighting numerous civil lawsuits — that are separate from his federal trial, and are likely to cost a pretty penny to defend himself in them.

    Before Combs can walk free, though, he must serve prison time for his guilty charge, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Because the “Last Night” rapper was found guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, he faces up to 20 years in prison.

    Attorney Paul DerOhannesian agrees, telling us, “The entertainment industry is much more forgiving.” Gregory P. Mango
    Combs denied all wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty to all charges. Getty Images for MTV

    However, our legal experts tell us that Combs will likely only spend a fraction of that time behind bars.

    “In terms of sentencing, I would estimate somewhere between 18 and 24 months maximum,” Bonner says, explaining that the time is expected to be low because the rapper has no prior convictions. “He was not convicted of any type of act that is violent act, so he was convicted on the least serious of all the offenses.”

    DerOhannesian agrees Combs will likely receive “much less time” than the maximum sentence and notes the court will use many guidelines to determine how much. However, he expects the federal government will “argue for the maximum” but “have a difficult time” getting it.

    Bachner, for his part, speculates the “Coming Home” rapper’s sentencing will be “somewhere in the three to four year range” based on sentencing guidelines.

    The sentencing will be set at a later date.

    Experts tell Page Six Combs is likely to face “much less” prison time than the maximum sentence of 20 years. REUTERS
    Combs’ sentencing is set to be scheduled for a later date. AP

    Overall, lawyer John W. Day sees Combs’ trial as a “huge win” for the music mogul’s defense team.

    “It means the jury did not buy the stories of [Casandra] Cassie [Ventura] and Jane [Doe] and most likely believed they were enjoying life with Diddy voluntarily, and all the trappings of that world.”

    Bonner says she and many of her other colleagues in law were left “stunned” by the decision, but recognizes that there was a “high bar” to reach, particularly for the racketeering charge.

    On Tuesday, jurors told the judge they were unable to reach a unanimous decision on the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, which is used to prosecute the mob and drug cartels.

    They were instructed to continue deliberating and finally settled Wednesday on not guilty.

    Lawyer John W. Day tells Page Six Combs’ trial verdict was a “huge win” for the defense. REUTERS
    Lawyer Michael Bachner — who once represented Combs — tells us the rap mogul’s reputation has taken a “hit” but his career will “rebound.” Getty Images

    DerOhannesian explains that once Combs is sentenced, he could serve time in a federal prison or a prison camp before explaining the differences between the two.

    “Federal prison camps have substantially fewer restrictions in inmate activity and movements and while still prison, they are preferable to low, medium and high security prisons,” he says.

    “Inmates may move about the camp on their own during certain time periods. Because inmates in a camp will be non-violent offenders, an inmate is not as likely to experience violence.”

    DerOhannesian adds, “Housing is usually dormitory style rather than a cell. Also, jail visits are not as restricted as in other facilities. Many camps have no fences or walls.

    Before going back to showbiz, Combs will likely serve time in a federal prison or prison camp. ©Lions Gate/Courtesy Everett Collection
    We’re told prison camps are a lot more lax and not as “restricted.” REUTERS

    Michael H. Kugler, Esq, a civil trial attorney at GoldLaw, tells Page Six that Combs’ celebrity status will play a factor in how much interaction he has with other inmates and he will likely be in “close custody.”

    Day notes that the decision of where Combs will serve his prison time will be up to the highest power in office: President Trump.

    “If the judge sentences him to prison time, it would be up to President Trump’s Department of Justice (Bureau of Prisons) to determine where to send him,” the criminal defense lawyer says.

    Lawyer John W. Day tells Page Six that President Trump’s Bureau of Prisons will decide where Combs will serve his time. WireImage
    Following his verdict, Combs was seen falling to his knees, praying and being happy over the decision. REUTERS

    “It would be possible they would send him to a prison near his homes in Miami or Los Angeles.”

    Kugler concludes by issuing a firm message to those celebrating Combs’ verdict: “The charges and verdict in this case should be a warning and a deterrent to anyone out there that believes they are untouchable because of their wealth or status. 

    “Victims will and must continue to speak out, and like [Bill] Cosby, [Jeffrey] Epstein and Diddy, wealth will not protect their abusers from the law.”



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