Federal prosecutors have asked a New York judge to sentence Sean “Diddy” Combs to no less than 11 years in prison, arguing that the hip-hop mogul’s actions left his victims traumatized and fearful.
The 55-year-old music producer, convicted in July on two counts of prostitution-related offenses, faces up to 20 years behind bars. His sentencing is scheduled for Friday, October 3. Prosecutors allege that Combs orchestrated sex-fueled encounters involving escorts transported across state lines, directing them to perform with his girlfriends during events described as “freak offs.”
In a pre-sentencing filing, prosecutors labeled Combs “unrepentant,” highlighting what they described as “decades of unchecked violence” and “psychological, emotional, and physical damage” inflicted on his victims. They also submitted victim impact letters, including one from singer Cassie Ventura, who testified at trial.
Ventura, pregnant when she appeared in court, wrote that she continues to suffer nightmares and fears retaliation. “My worries that Sean Combs or his associates will come after me and my family is my reality,” she stated, noting she had relocated her family for safety.
Combs was acquitted of the more serious charges of racketeering and sex trafficking but remained convicted of arranging interstate prostitution. Prosecutors stressed that sentencing should reflect not only the convictions but also the violent nature of his conduct.
Defense lawyers, however, urged the court to impose a 14-month sentence, pointing out that Combs has already spent more than a year in federal custody. They argued he should be released on time served, citing the collapse of his career and reputation.
“In the past two years, Mr. Combs’s career and reputation have been destroyed. He has served over a year in one of the most notorious jails in America,” his attorneys wrote. “It is time for Mr. Combs to go home to his family.”
The high-profile case has drawn intense public scrutiny, with prosecutors and defense attorneys sharply divided over whether Combs should receive a lengthy prison term or be granted early release.
