Federal prosecutors have urged a judge to sentence Sean 'Diddy' Combs to 11 years and three months in prison, ahead of his sentencing scheduled for Friday. Combs was found guilty in July on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, each carrying a maximum of 10 years. He was acquitted of more serious charges including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.
In a sentencing memo filed early Tuesday, prosecutors asked Judge Arun Subramanian to impose a term of no less than 135 months and a $500,000 fine. They argued that Combs's crimes are serious and that he remains unrepentant. 'A substantial term of imprisonment is also needed in this case because the defendant is unrepentant,' they wrote.
During the trial, prosecutors alleged that Combs used his power, fame, and wealth, along with violence and threats, to coerce two former girlfriends into drug-fueled sexual encounters with male escorts, which he watched and sometimes filmed. The defense acknowledged past domestic violence but denied coercion, claiming all activity was consensual.
Combs has been held in a Brooklyn federal jail since his arrest in September 2024. His lawyers have asked for a maximum of 14 months, which would allow his release soon due to time served. They described his time in custody as 'life-changing' and submitted over 60 letters of support. The US probation department has recommended a sentence of five to seven years.
Prosecutors dismissed the defense's arguments, stating that Combs 'tries to recast decades of abuse as simply the function of mutually toxic relationships.' They submitted letters from accusers, including singer Casandra 'Cassie' Ventura, who testified about abuse and coercion. Ventura wrote that she still suffers nightmares and requires psychological care.
