Sean (Diddy) Combs convicted on prostitution charges but cleared of more serious counts

WARNING: This story contains allegations of sexual violence and may affect those who have experienced it or know someone affected by it.

Sean (Diddy) Combs was convicted of prostitution-related offences on Wednesday, but acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges that could have put one of hip-hop's most celebrated figures behind bars for life.

The mixed result came on the third day of deliberations in a New York City courtroom. It could still send Combs, 55, to prison for years, and is likely to end his career as a music executive, fashion entrepreneur, brand ambassador and reality TV star.

After hearing the verdict, Combs held his hands up in a prayer motion, looked at the jury and hugged defence lawyer Teny Geragos.

Combs was convicted of flying people around the country, including his girlfriends and paid male sex workers, to engage in sexual encounters, a felony violation of the federal Mann Act.

That 1910 law originally prohibited the interstate or foreign commerce transport of a woman or girl "for prostitution, debauchery or for any other immoral purpose."

A 1986 update made the law gender-neutral and effectively ended the Act's role in trying to legislate morality by changing "debauchery" and "immoral purpose" to "any sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offence."

But the jury of eight men and four women acquitted Combs of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges, related to allegations that he used his money, power and physical force to manipulate his girlfriends into hundreds of drug-fuelled sex marathons with the men.

Combs and his defence team argued that the women were willing participants and that none of his violence justified the severity of the charges.

U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian adjourned the court while he weighs whether to grant Combs bail in the wake of the verdict.

Combs appeared overwhelmed as court adjourned for at least a few hours. He wiped his face, turning and kneeling at his chair, his head bowed in prayer. In the audience, his relatives stood and applauded as he faced them.

"I'll be home soon," he said.

"I love you, Mom," he added.

Jurors deliberated for about 13 hours over three days before announcing their verdict. It came after they said late Tuesday that they had decided on four counts, but were stuck on the racketeering one. At that point, the judge told them to keep deliberating and keep the partial verdict under wraps.