Federal prosecutors have recommended that Sean “Diddy” Combs be sentenced to 11 years and three months in prison. This recommendation comes after Combs was found guilty earlier this summer on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. The sentencing memo was filed just after midnight on Tuesday, just days before Combs's scheduled sentencing on Friday.
In July, a federal jury convicted Combs on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, each carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years. Notably, the jury acquitted him of more severe charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. Throughout the proceedings, Combs pleaded not guilty to all charges, maintaining his innocence.
In their sentencing memo, prosecutors urged Judge Arun Subramanian to impose a prison term of no less than 135 months and a fine of $500,000. They argued that “his crimes of conviction are serious and have warranted sentences over 10 years in multiple cases for defendants who, like Sean Combs, engaged in violence and put others in fear.” The memo emphasized the need for a substantial prison term, indicating that Combs remains unrepentant regarding his actions.
During the trial, prosecutors accused Combs of abusing his power, fame, and wealth to coerce two former girlfriends into participating in what were described as drug-fueled sexual encounters with male escorts. These encounters, referred to as “freak-offs” or “hotel nights,” allegedly involved Combs orchestrating, watching, and even filming the events. The defense, however, denied any claims of coercion or sex trafficking, asserting that all sexual activities were consensual and part of a “swingers lifestyle.”
Combs has been held in a Brooklyn federal jail since his arrest in September 2024. His legal team recently requested a sentence of no more than 14 months, citing his time already served. They described his 13 months in custody as “life-changing” and “productive,” claiming he has undergone rehabilitation and has “gotten clean of all substances.” The defense argued that it is time for Combs to return to his family.
The U.S. probation department has recommended a sentence ranging between five and seven years. In their filing, prosecutors pointed out Combs's acknowledgment of past instances of domestic violence during the trial, arguing that he now seeks to shift the blame onto his victims. “But there is nothing mutual about a relationship where one person holds all the power and the other ends up bloodied and bruised,” they stated.
Alongside their recommendation, prosecutors submitted letters from Combs's accusers, including singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura. Ventura served as the prosecution’s star witness, detailing her decade-long relationship with Combs, which she described as fraught with physical and emotional abuse. In her letter to the judge, she expressed concerns for her safety, stating, “If he walks free, his first actions will be swift retribution towards me and others who spoke up about his abuse at trial.”
As the sentencing date approaches, the case of Sean “Diddy” Combs continues to garner significant media attention, highlighting issues of power dynamics in relationships and the impact of abuse. The court’s decision will not only affect Combs but also resonate with countless victims of similar abuses, reminding society of the importance of justice and accountability.
