Additional Coverage:
- Sean “Diddy” Combs to be sentenced at hearing (cbsnews.com)
Sean “Diddy” Combs Sentencing Underway in New York Federal Court
New York, NY – Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sentencing hearing commenced Friday in federal court, three months after his conviction on two prostitution-related charges. While he was acquitted of the more severe charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, the proceedings have brought a stark division between prosecutors seeking a lengthy prison term and his defense team arguing for a significantly shorter sentence.
Prosecutors have formally requested Judge Arun Subramanian impose a sentence of 11 years and three months, or at least 135 months, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice for the public and those directly impacted by Combs’ actions. They contend that Combs has yet to fully grasp the gravity of his conduct.
Judge Subramanian, who is presiding over the case, has indicated that advisory guidelines suggest a sentencing range of 70 to 87 months and stated he sees no immediate basis to depart from these recommendations. He also affirmed that Casandra “Cassie” Ventura and another woman who testified under the pseudonym “Jane” were indeed victims, overruling objections from Combs’ defense.
Combs, who plans to speak at the sentencing and was granted permission to wear non-prison attire, has remained in detention since his arrest in September 2024. His defense team is pushing for a sentence of no more than 14 months, arguing that with credit for time already served, this could amount to his immediate release.
The defense presented a multifaceted argument for leniency throughout the day. Attorney Brian Steel highlighted Combs’ traumatic past, including his father’s murder, struggles with drug use, and the death of Kim Porter, the mother of several of his children. Steel emphasized that Combs has maintained sobriety while incarcerated.
In a poignant segment of the hearing, some of Combs’ children addressed the court. His eldest son, Quincy Brown, stated that his father has undergone a “complete transformation.”
Justin Combs requested a second chance for his father, noting his positive changes. Christian Combs spoke of his father as a “superhero” who instilled respect for women, and described him as more patient and understanding.
His 18-year-old daughter, Jessie, tearfully expressed her and her siblings’ need for their father to be present in their lives.
Reverend Gary Johnson, Combs’ pastor, also spoke, advocating for redemption and offering to personally oversee Combs’ spiritual rehabilitation, suggesting a longer sentence would be unproductive. The defense further showcased Combs’ character through a nearly 12-minute video montage featuring clips of him with his children, participating in community events, and receiving praise as a role model. Combs was visibly emotional during its showing.
Additional arguments from the defense included highlighting Combs’ success in the music and fashion industries and his positive impact on other artists. They also noted that Combs taught a business skills class to other inmates at MDC Brooklyn, a program reportedly praised by facility staff, and submitted letters from inmates and an inmate’s mother on his behalf.
A notable development was the withdrawal of “Mia,” a former employee who had testified to sexual assault, from addressing the court. Prosecutors stated Mia’s decision was partly influenced by a letter from the defense, which they previously described as “offensive” and an attempt to “smear a victim.”
The hearing continues to process a significant volume of submitted material, including letters and reports from doctors and the correctional facility. A crowd gathered outside the New York City courthouse as the high-profile proceedings unfolded.
Read More About This Story:
- Sean “Diddy” Combs to be sentenced at hearing (cbsnews.com)