Josh Mankiewicz

Combs was facing more than the gun charges. The Manhattan DA also accused him of bribery.

Combs was facing more than the gun charges. The Manhattan DA also accused him of bribery.

At the trial, the driver told the jury about the alleged bribe. Natanya took the stand, too, and testified she saw Combs fire a gun. He's there. Yep. You looking at him? He looking at you?

At the trial, the driver told the jury about the alleged bribe. Natanya took the stand, too, and testified she saw Combs fire a gun. He's there. Yep. You looking at him? He looking at you?

Other people who were at the club testified, too, including some members of Combs' entourage. Some witnesses seemed to change their stories in ways that became more favorable to Combs, leading the prosecutor mid-trial to investigate possible witness tampering.

Other people who were at the club testified, too, including some members of Combs' entourage. Some witnesses seemed to change their stories in ways that became more favorable to Combs, leading the prosecutor mid-trial to investigate possible witness tampering.

However, no additional charges were filed. After seven weeks of trial, the jury reached a verdict. Combs' protege, Shine, was convicted of assault.

However, no additional charges were filed. After seven weeks of trial, the jury reached a verdict. Combs' protege, Shine, was convicted of assault.

Not guilty. Natanya thinks she knows what happened.

Not guilty. Natanya thinks she knows what happened.

And you think that mattered more than the truth?

And you think that mattered more than the truth?

Combs exited the courthouse victorious, walking out to a familiar scene and straight back into his old life. The flashing lights of cameras, A sea of journalists and throngs of fans.

Combs exited the courthouse victorious, walking out to a familiar scene and straight back into his old life. The flashing lights of cameras, A sea of journalists and throngs of fans.

A free man, a second chance, a new chapter. Which version of Sean Combs would emerge next?

A free man, a second chance, a new chapter. Which version of Sean Combs would emerge next?

In 2001, Sean Combs was ready to resume life as hip-hop royalty. He was just acquitted on gun and bribery charges. His friend, rapper Shine, wasn't as lucky.

In 2001, Sean Combs was ready to resume life as hip-hop royalty. He was just acquitted on gun and bribery charges. His friend, rapper Shine, wasn't as lucky.

Jason King is dean of the Thornton School of Music at USC. He has followed Combs' career and life from fame to infamy.

Jason King is dean of the Thornton School of Music at USC. He has followed Combs' career and life from fame to infamy.