U.S. federal prosecutors have urged a judge to sentence hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs to more than 11 years in prison following his conviction on prostitution-related charges.
In a court filing, prosecutors requested “at least 135 months’ imprisonment” (11 years and three months) and asked the court to fine Combs $500,000. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian is scheduled to sentence Combs, 55, at a hearing in Manhattan this Friday.
Conviction and Sentencing Details
- Conviction: On July 2, a jury found Combs guilty of two counts of transporting male prostitutes across state lines to engage in sexual performances with his girlfriends while he watched, recorded video, and masturbated.
- Maximum Sentence: Combs faces a maximum of 20 years behind bars for the conviction.
- Acquittal: The jury acquitted Combs on the more serious charges of racketeering and sex trafficking, which could have resulted in a life sentence.
- Defense Request: Combs’s defense lawyers last week asked the judge to impose a much lighter 14-month sentence. They argued that the judge should not consider evidence of abuse against his former girlfriends since he was acquitted of coercing them into sex.
- Potential Release: If sentenced to 14 months, Combs would be released by the end of the year, as he would be credited for the time already spent in custody at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center following his arrest on September 16, 2024.
Trial Testimony
During the two-month trial, prosecutors argued that Combs coerced two of his former girlfriends into participating in the performances, which were sometimes called “Freak Offs.”
Both women testified that Combs physically attacked them and threatened to cut off their financial support if they resisted the encounters. Combs, who founded Bad Boy Records, pleaded not guilty to all charges and is expected to appeal his conviction.
