U.S. federal prosecutors have requested a sentence of over 11 years in prison for music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs following his conviction on charges related to transporting male escorts across state lines for sexual performances. Combs, 55, is scheduled to be sentenced on Friday by U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian in Manhattan.
The sentencing recommendation—135 months or just over 11 years—was submitted by prosecutors late Monday in a 164-page memorandum. Although Combs was acquitted in July of more serious charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking, prosecutors argue the sentence should reflect the abusive and coercive nature of his conduct.
Combs was convicted on two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution. Prosecutors allege he organized drug-fueled “Freak Offs,” during which male escorts performed sex acts with his girlfriends while Combs filmed and watched. His former partners testified that he used violence, drugs, and financial threats to manipulate them into participating.
“The defendant tries to recast decades of abuse as simply the function of mutually toxic relationships,” the filing states. “But there is nothing mutual about a relationship where one person holds all the power and the other ends up bloodied and bruised.”
One of the key witnesses, R&B singer Cassandra Ventura, shared a victim impact statement with the court, saying Combs manipulated her into sexual acts starting when she was just 19. She described a cycle of violence, threats, and psychological control. “His power over me eroded my independence and sense of self,” Ventura wrote, urging the court to impose a sentence that reflects the severity of his actions.
Combs’ defense team has asked for a significantly shorter sentence of 14 months, citing his acquittals and time already served in custody since his September 2024 arrest. His attorneys argue the jury found no evidence of coercion and that the convicted offenses involved consenting adults. They claim applying a harsher sentence based on allegations tied to charges for which he was acquitted would be unjust.
In their defense, letters of support from friends and inmates were submitted, including testimony about Combs’ prison mentorship program, “Free Game,” which supporters say had a positive impact on fellow inmates.
Combs remains in federal custody and was previously denied bail after the court deemed him a potential danger to others. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 3.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ