A split verdict that saw the fallen rapper and mogul escape being convicted of the more serious charges left observers stumped and ponderous — and looking for answers.

Sean “Diddy” Combs was denied bail on Friday after the jury in his federal sex trafficking trial returned its verdict, convicting him on two lesser charges of transportation to engage in prostitution but clearing the hip-hop mogul of the most serious charges.

As the jury foreperson announced not guilty on the racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charge involving Combs' former girlfriend, Casandra Ventura — the R&B singer known as Cassie — Combs put his hand to his face, his fingers resting on his temples.