Casandra "Cassie" Ventura's lawyer is speaking out after jurors foundSean "Diddy" Combsguilty on prostitution charges. "This entire criminal process started when our client Cassie Ventura had the courage to file her civil complaint in November 2023," Douglas H. Wigdor said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE on Wednesday, July 2 — shortly after theverdict was readat the federal courthouse in New York City. "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." Combs was acquitted of the most serious counts: sex trafficking and racketeering, but convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution involving ex-girlfriend Ventura and a second witness who testified under the pseudonym "Jane." "By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice," Wigdor added. "We must repeat – with no reservation – that we believe and support our client who showed exemplary courage throughout this trial." The statement concluded, "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." Paras Griffin/Getty ; Dominik Bindl/Getty Both Ventura and Jane spent several days on the stand and testified about the sexual encounters known as both "Freak Offs" and "Hotel Nights." At one point during her testimony, Ventura also alleged that Combs raped her near the end of their 11-year relationship. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up forPEOPLE's free True Crime newsletterfor breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Over the course of Combs' trial, prosecutors called nearly three dozen witnesses across the span of 29 days of testimony. Defense attorneys did not call any witnesses, instead using cross-examination to undermine the prosecution's case. Prosecutors' case centered around portraying Combs as the leader of a multi-faceted business empire used to commit multiple criminal acts, and further alleging that the Bad Boy Records founder forced or coerced women into performing in highly orchestrated sex acts with male sex workers. Combs could still face a maximum of 20 years for the charges he was convicted on — 10 years for each count. His defense team proposed to the court that he be released Wednesday on bond to live at his Florida home. Judge Arun Subramanian asked both sides to submit letters by 1 p.m., after which he would consider their positions and make a decision on Combs' immediate fate. Combs still faces several civil suits accusing him of sexual misconduct, which he has repeatedly denied. Read the original article onPeople
