Federal prosecutors in New York are urging a judge to hand down a sentence of more than 11 years in prison to music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. The request follows Combs’ conviction on two counts of transportation for engagement in prostitution.
According to court filings, prosecutors also want the rapper and entrepreneur fined approximately Ksh64 million. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years, meaning Combs could face up to 20 years behind bars.
His sentencing is scheduled for Friday before Judge Arun Subramanian in Manhattan.
Trial Background
During the trial, prosecutors argued that Combs coerced two of his former girlfriends into taking part in so-called “freak-offs,” which involved transporting male sex workers across state lines. Both women testified that Combs physically assaulted them and threatened to withdraw financial support if they refused to participate.
Jurors, however, did not find sufficient evidence to convict him of the more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.
Defence Arguments
Defence lawyers have urged for a lighter sentence of just 14 months, which, considering time already served since his September arrest, could see Combs walk free almost immediately. They highlighted what they described as “inhumane” prison conditions at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn, claiming food was contaminated with maggots and that Combs has not had access to fresh air for over a year.
His team further stated that the 54-year-old’s career and reputation have been “destroyed,” noting he has been sober “for the first time in 25 years” and has contributed positively by running an educational programme on business management for fellow inmates.
What’s Next
Judge Subramanian will weigh the prosecution’s demand for a lengthy prison term against the defence’s plea for leniency. The decision could mark a defining moment in the downfall of one of hip-hop’s most influential figures.
