A judge overseeing the criminal case against Sean “Diddy” Combs has denied his request to toss his conviction on prostitution-related charges or allow for a new trial after the parties had a hearing on the topic last Thursday.
According to CNN, Judge Arun Subramanian said in his decision filed Tuesday he disagreed with Combs’ legal team’s two main arguments — that the definition of prostitution should be interpreted narrowly in relation to charges under the Mann Act, which criminalizes transporting someone across state lines for prostitution, and that Combs was protected by the First Amendment as a producer and consumer of amateur pornography.
It’s been reported that the decision comes after federal prosecutors say Combs should face more than 11 years in prison, arguing he deserves a steep sentence for physically and mentally abusing his girlfriends and employees for years.
Prosecutors urged Judge Subramanian to reject Combs’ request for a sentence of 14 months, essentially time served, because they argue he hasn’t shown any remorse and instead has sought to blame the victims in the case.
Prosecutors say that time and time again, Combs has shown that he is concerned only with his own power and control, and only a significant term of imprisonment can effectively deter him and show future victims that their abusers will be held accountable, no matter their wealth or fame.
They are also seeking the maximum fine allowed of $500,000.
The US Probation Department has recommended a sentence ranging between five and seven years in prison. Combs is scheduled to be sentenced on Friday.
The disgraced music mogul has been jailed since his arrest in September 2024.
The judge twice denied him bail after the verdict, citing Combs’ history of violence.
