The legal drama surrounding Sean “Diddy” Combs is heating up as his lawyers made a strong case Monday for a lighter sentence ahead of his October sentencing.
The music mogul, who was recently convicted on two prostitution-related charges, could walk free almost immediately if a New York federal judge agrees to their request for a maximum 14-month sentence.
Family and Allies Rally Behind Diddy
In a detailed submission to Judge Arun Subramanian, Combs’ legal team presented nearly 70 letters from friends and family urging leniency.
Among the supporters were his mother Janice, sister Keisha, and his seven children: Justin, Chance, D’Lila, and Jessie.
Also included were industry figures like record producer Dallas Austin and Dana Tran, mother of his youngest child.
The letters highlight not only Combs’ role as a caregiver but also his recent efforts toward sobriety, claiming he has stayed drug- and alcohol-free while in custody after struggling with addiction for 25 years.
Janice Combs wrote that she hopes to spend her remaining years with her son, even while acknowledging his past mistakes.
Lawyers Emphasize Rehabilitation and Good Behavior
Combs’ attorneys stressed that he has maintained an “incident-free record” at the Metropolitan Detention Center.
They argued that his career and reputation have already suffered heavily over the past two years, and he has made the most of his time in jail.
“Put simply, the jury has spoken,” the lawyers wrote.
“Its verdict represents an ‘affirmative indication of innocence.’ It is time for Mr. Combs to go home to his family, so he can continue his treatment and try to make the most of the next chapter of his extraordinary life.
It is the only just and fair sentence that could be imposed.”
Their submission requests 14 months with supervised release, alongside mandated drug treatment and therapy.
Conviction Details and Upcoming Sentencing
Combs faces sentencing on October 3 for his July conviction by a Manhattan jury on two Mann Act charges, which prohibit certain interstate commerce related to prostitution.
Each charge carries a potential 10-year prison term.
Importantly, Combs was cleared of more serious racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges, which could have meant 15 years to life behind bars.
His lawyers argue that the jury’s decision to exonerate him on the most serious counts sends a clear message about his innocence on those fronts.
Prosecutors Seek a Longer Sentence
Despite the defense’s plea, prosecutors have indicated they plan to seek a far longer sentence than the four to five years initially speculated.
Combs’ legal team countered that prosecutors “have lost all perspective” in their approach.
A Trial Filled with Star Power and Shocking Testimonies
The trial itself was nothing short of headline-making.
Kanye West made a brief appearance, and a throng of Combs fans waited outside court daily.
The courtroom was filled with testimony from two former girlfriends who described being pressured into participating in drug-fueled sexual encounters with male sex workers, known during the trial as “freak-offs.”
R&B singer Cassie Ventura detailed hundreds of these encounters while dating Combs from 2007 to 2018.
Another former girlfriend, identified as “Jane,” testified to similar pressures while dating Combs from 2021 until his arrest.
Prosecutors painted Combs as a controlling, mob-like figure who used fear and violence to manipulate women, with Christy Slavik saying he pursued “complete control” over victims by drugging and abusing them.
Combs often referred to himself as “The King,” prosecutors noted, portraying a man accustomed to getting his way.
Defense Highlights Flawed but Not Criminal Behavior
Combs’ lawyers admitted to a complicated personal history, including domestic abuse, but argued that the government did not prove the charges.
They acknowledged his relationships could be “toxic” and driven by jealousy but insisted these actions were not criminal.
Defense attorney Teny Geragos told the jury, “The evidence is going to show you a very flawed individual but it will not show you a racketeer or a sex trafficker.”
He also emphasized that Combs’ sexual proclivities, though unconventional, should not have been the basis for prosecution.
Verdicts, Bond Denial, and the Road Ahead
Ultimately, the jury found Combs guilty on the two Mann Act charges but acquitted him of the more serious allegations, returning a split verdict on the racketeering conspiracy.
His request for a $1 million bond was denied, meaning he remains behind bars until his October 3 sentencing hearing.
Prosecutor Maurene Comey, who has since left office, stated that the government intends to seek the maximum sentence of 20 years.
Meanwhile, Combs’ legal team continues to push for a sentence that would allow him to return home and focus on rehabilitation with his family.