Diddy seeks near-immediate release ahead of sentencing

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ lawyers filed a sentencing memorandum Monday requesting his near-immediate release ahead of the rapper’s October sentencing, arguing that his acquittal on the more serious sex trafficking charges should lead to a lighter punishment than the probation department’s recommendation of a maximum of more than seven years. The filing, described by Page Six as containing the defense team’s arguments, says a sentence of 14 months would be sufficient and just for the two counts of prostitution for which Combs was convicted. In the memo, attorneys emphasized that in the past two years his career and reputation have been affected, and they asserted that he has already faced substantial punishment behind bars.

In urging a swift return home, the defense noted that Combs has served more than a year in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, highlighting what they described as harsh conditions, including suicide-watch status and limited access to clean water and adequate food. The memo states that given these conditions, his time served has already been more punitive than the typical sentence for defendants convicted under the Mann Act, and it argues that a sentence of no more than 14 months would be adequate “just punishment.”

His lawyers also contended that Combs’ behavior while in custody has markedly improved since beginning treatment at the MDC. They attached more than 75 letters of support from family and friends, including his mother, Janice Combs, his six older children, and Caresha “Yung Miami” Brownlee of Revolt. A letter from Sean’s former girlfriend Virginia “Gina” Huynh was included as a character witness, though Huynh had previously accused him of violent conduct. During trial testimony, jurors heard from a range of witnesses, including ex Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, who alleged she had been raped and abused.

On July 2, Combs was found guilty of two counts of prostitution—each carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 3. The case has also drawn attention to dozens of lawsuits alleging various forms of sexual misconduct or related illegal activity, though Combs has denied all wrongdoing. He remains a prominent figure in music and entertainment, with ongoing public attention to his legal battles and personal life. If you or someone you know is affected by issues raised in this story, call the Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-330-0226.

During the trial, jurors heard from a spectrum of witnesses linked to Combs’ career and personal life, including Cassie Ventura, who described alleged abuse. The defense has argued that the charges and the punishment do not reflect the entirety of Combs’ career or the nature of his relationships, while prosecutors have maintained that the acts alleged were criminal under federal law. The sentence next month will determine whether Combs continues to serve time for the convictions or is released earlier, potentially allowing him to pursue treatment and other opportunities as he heads into what supporters hope will be a new chapter in his life.