Judge to decide if Diddy’s 'voyeurism' defense overturns 'prostitution' conviction

A federal judge is expected to rule soon on Sean “Diddy” Combs’ request to overturn his prostitution-related conviction or grant a new trial, following a hearing held Thursday. Judge Arun Subramanian stated he would issue a decision “very shortly,” with the next court date scheduled for Friday if no ruling is delivered before then.

Combs, 55, was convicted in July 2025 of two counts of transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution under the Mann Act. He faces up to 10 years in prison for each count and is scheduled to be sentenced on October 3. Although acquitted of more serious charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering, the rap mogul has remained in custody since his arrest in September 2024, with bail denied twice due to concerns about his history of violence.

At the hearing, Combs’ legal team argued the Mann Act was misapplied, asserting that Combs’ conduct — which involved organizing and watching sexual encounters between his girlfriends and paid escorts — did not meet the legal definition of prostitution. Attorney Alexandra Shapiro claimed the case concerns voyeurism and the production of amateur pornography, which she said falls under protected First Amendment expression.

Prosecutors pushed back, stating that Combs financed and facilitated the transportation of escorts with the intent of engaging in sex for money. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Foster argued that even under a narrow interpretation of the Mann Act, Combs’ actions qualified as criminal. Fellow prosecutor Christy Slavik added that the law criminalizes the transport for prostitution, not the filming of sex acts, making the First Amendment defense irrelevant.

If the court proceeds with sentencing, Combs’ lawyers have asked for no more than 14 months, citing good behavior and time served. Prosecutors have yet to submit a sentencing recommendation but are expected to push for a longer term. Character letters from family members, including his children and ex-girlfriend Yung Miami, have been submitted in support of leniency.