United States prosecutors have asked a federal judge in New York to sentence music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs to more than 11 years in prison after his conviction on prostitution-related charges.
In a court filing made early Tuesday, prosecutors argued that the 55-year-old rapper and producer was guilty of serious crimes and showed no remorse. They urged the court to hand down at least 11 years and three months.
“His crimes of conviction are serious and have warranted sentences over ten years in multiple cases for defendants who, like Sean Combs, engaged in violence and put others in fear,” prosecutors wrote.
Combs, who has been in custody since July, was convicted of violating the Mann Act for arranging interstate travel of male sex workers to perform paid sexual acts with his girlfriends. Each charge carries up to 10 years in prison. He was cleared of more serious racketeering and sex trafficking charges that could have led to a life sentence.
During the trial, two of Combs’ former partners testified against him. Singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura told the court she endured a decade of abuse during their relationship, describing how Combs used threats, drugs, and violence to control her. “From age nineteen, Sean Combs used violence, threats, substances, and control over my career to trap me in over a decade of abuse,” she said in a letter.
Cassie also said she still suffers from nightmares and fears retaliation if Combs is released. “My worries that Sean Combs or his associates will come after me and my family is my reality. I have in fact moved my family out of the New York area and am keeping as private and quiet as I possibly can because I am so scared that if he walks free, his first actions will be swift retribution,” she wrote.
Another woman, identified in court only as “Jane,” testified that she was pressured into drug-fueled sex sessions with male workers while Combs watched and sometimes recorded. She recounted an incident where Combs allegedly choked her and punched her in the face.
Defense lawyers, however, have urged the court to sentence Combs to no more than 14 months. They argued that he has already spent nearly 13 months behind bars, has been under suicide watch, and has “become a changed man” while awaiting sentencing.
Prosecutors dismissed this claim, saying, “He is not the victim. The Court should focus on the very real effects that the defendant’s conduct had on the lives of the actual victims, his victims.”
Judge Arun Subramanian had previously denied Combs’ request for bail, including a $50 million proposal, ruling that he posed a flight risk and a danger to the community.
Sentencing is set for Friday in New York.
