Diddy asks judge for release on time served in prostitution conviction

Music mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs asked a New York federal judge on Monday to sentence him to no more than 14 months in prison on two Mann Act prostitution-related charges, arguing that time served should permit his release. The request comes as Judge Arun Subramanian has already rejected a proposed $50 million bail package, signaling skepticism about an immediate release, and as Combs awaits sentencing on Oct. 3. Combs, 55, was convicted in July by a Manhattan jury on the two Mann Act counts related to interstate prostitution. He was acquitted on racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges; each Mann Act count carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, meaning a potential combined maximum of 20 years.

Defense lawyers argued that the jury's verdict represented an affirmative finding of innocence on the most serious charges and that continuing to hold him serves no just purpose. In a written submission, they said the jury sent a loud message and that it is time for Mr. Combs to go home to his family to continue treatment and begin the next chapter of his extraordinary life. The defense contended that the sentence should reflect the jury's conclusions and the time Combs has already served.

Prosecutors, who will submit their recommendations ahead of the Oct. 3 sentencing, have said they will urge Combs to remain imprisoned substantially longer than the four to five years they had originally contemplated. In July, prosecutors indicated they would seek a maximum of 20 years for Combs, a position they have maintained in filings ahead of sentencing. The government has also highlighted that the case involved what it described as a coercive pattern of sexual conduct and intimidation that extended over many years, while the defense has acknowledged domestic abuse but argued the charges did not prove criminal conduct on a racketeering scale.

The trial was marked by dramatic moments and high-profile interest, including a cameo by Kanye West and testimony from two of Combs' former girlfriends who described coercive sexual encounters with male sex workers while he was involved with them. Prosecutors portrayed Combs as a central figure in a 'criminal enterprise' that used violence to control participants; defense lawyers countered that Combs was a complicated, sometimes problematic individual who did not orchestrate a racketeering conspiracy. Jurors heard graphic testimony about the sexual encounters, though not all details were released publicly, and the defense acknowledged domestic abuse but argued the government did not prove racketeering or sex trafficking charges.

Combs remains in custody ahead of the Oct. 3 sentencing, and Subramanian has not indicated a preferred sentence, though the bail denial and the disparity between the defense's and prosecutors' positions suggest a contentious proceeding ahead. The case has drawn attention from the entertainment industry and fans, with supporters on hand outside the courthouse during the trial, while the broader implications for Combs' career and public image continue to unfold as the sentencing approaches.