NEW YORK (BN24) — Sean “Diddy” Combs is set to be sentenced Friday in federal court after being convicted of two prostitution-related charges earlier this year. Prosecutors are seeking a prison term of more than 11 years, but legal experts say the hip-hop mogul could face significantly less time.
Combs, 55, was found guilty in July on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, but was acquitted of more serious charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, following an eight-week trial. He has remained in custody since his arrest in September 2024.
The sentencing, scheduled for Friday, Oct. 3, will be handed down by U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian. Federal prosecutors have recommended that Combs serve at least 11 years and three months in prison, citing the nature of the charges and the broader context of evidence introduced during trial.
However, Combs’ attorneys have asked for a significantly lighter sentence no more than 14 months, which would account for the time he has already spent behind bars.
Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor, said a sentence of four to five years is more likely. “I don’t think he’s getting the 11 years that the government is recommending,” Rahmani told People. “That is more than the statutory max for the prostitution counts.” Each of the charges carries a maximum sentence of 10 years.
According to Rahmani, the Probation Department recommended a sentence between five and seven years, suggesting a compromise may be likely. “The fact that [Judge Subramanian] kept him detained, even though he was acquitted of the more serious racketeering and sex trafficking counts, leads me to believe that he’s going to impose a sentence,” he said.
Rahmani also noted that judges can take into account other evidence presented at trial, even if it did not result in a conviction. “We’re talking about the drugs. We’re talking about the violence,” he said. “Even though he was acquitted of running a criminal enterprise and forcing these women to have sex through coercion, there’s a lot of bad evidence that came out.”
In a recent court filing, Judge Subramanian denied Combs’ motions for acquittal and a new trial, stating, “The government proved its case many times over.”
Combs’ sentencing comes amid renewed public scrutiny over allegations of abuse from former partner Casandra “Cassie” Ventura. In a letter submitted to the court ahead of sentencing, Ventura urged the judge to consider “the many lives that Sean Combs has upended with his abuse and control,” referencing testimony she gave during the trial.
Combs, once one of the most influential figures in music and entertainment, now faces the possibility of spending several years in federal prison. The sentencing hearing will determine how much longer he will remain behind bars.
