NEW YORK: Sean “Diddy” Combs dropped to his knees and prayed in the courtroom after he was acquitted July 2 of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have put one of hip-hop’s most celebrated figures behind bars for life. The rapper was convicted of lesser prostitution-related offences and still faces prison time but might be released on bail.

The mixed result capped a sordid legal odyssey that shattered Combs’ affable “Puff Daddy” image and derailed his career as a Grammy-winning artist and music executive, fashion entrepreneur, brand ambassador and reality TV star.

As the jury foreman spoke and the “not guilty” verdicts piled up, Combs pumped his fist. As each juror affirmed agreement with the verdict, Combs looked toward the jury and held his hands up in a prayer motion, and he hugged defence lawyer Teny Geragos. Combs' relatives and supporters in the audience could barely contain their relief, despite the judge's admonition to avoid outbursts: When the first “not guilty” was read aloud, someone shouted, “Yeah!”