Diddy associate Mark Geragos reveals “the one detail” that caught him off guard about the verdict.

Mark Geragos Credits Daughter for Key Role in Diddy Trial Victory

Sean “Diddy” Combs was acquitted Wednesday on charges of racketeering and sex trafficking following a two-month-long federal trial that gripped national headlines.

The Grammy-winning rapper faced life in prison if convicted on the most serious charges but walked free after a jury cleared him of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. He was, however, found guilty on two lesser charges related to transportation to engage in prostitution.

The Power of a Strong Opening Statement

High-profile defense attorney Mark Geragos, a longtime acquaintance of Diddy and father of lead attorney Teny Geragos, praised the jury’s decision in comments to Fox News Digital. Geragos emphasized that his daughter’s opening statement set the tone for the entire defense strategy.

“I think Teny’s opening was so impactful that the prosecution never fully recovered,” Geragos said. “In cases like this, jury selection and the opening argument can make or break you. I believe the groundwork laid before testimony even began was crucial to this outcome.”

Jury Deadlock and a Surprising Twist

The jury deliberated for more than 10 hours before signaling they were divided over the most serious charge. Judge Arun Subramanian instructed them to continue discussions, leading to a verdict just two hours later.

“When I first heard they were hung on RICO, I wasn’t confident,” Geragos admitted. “But once I read their note, I suspected they’d come back not guilty on that charge. The speed with which they delivered that verdict was the only surprise.”

Diddy Reacts to the Courtroom Win

When the not guilty verdict on the most serious charges was announced, Diddy responded emotionally. He knelt, prayed, and then turned to the courtroom gallery, clapping as supporters erupted in applause.

However, he still faces sentencing on the two lesser charges, with potential prison time up to 20 years. Federal prosecutors are seeking a term between 51-63 months, while Diddy’s legal team argues for a much shorter sentence. Geragos expressed confidence that his client will benefit from federal programs for rehabilitation.

Strategy Behind the Defense

Geragos credited not only his daughter’s opening but also Mark Agnifilo’s dynamic closing arguments. “Agnifilo’s closing was masterful — it brought humor and energy to the room at a critical moment,” he said.

During her opening, Teny Geragos urged the jury to focus on the actual charges rather than Diddy’s reputation for being temperamental or controversial. “Sean Combs is a complicated man, but this is not a complicated case,” she argued. “This case is about love, jealousy, infidelity, and money — not racketeering or sex trafficking.”

She reminded jurors that while Diddy had a “bad temper” and could be “out of control,” he was not on trial for his personality but for alleged crimes that the defense argued did not meet legal thresholds.

What’s Next for Diddy?

A sentencing hearing is set for next week, where the court will decide his punishment for the two guilty verdicts. While uncertainty remains over the length of Diddy’s potential prison term, Geragos remains optimistic about the rapper’s future.

“This experience will likely prove to be transformative,” Geragos said. “When Diddy comes out, I think we’ll see him channel this into something productive and meaningful.”