A federal judge said Thursday he will rule “very shortly” on a last-ditch effort by defense lawyers to overturn two prostitution-related convictions for which Sean “Diddy” Combs is scheduled to be sentenced next week.
Judge Arun Subramanian heard nearly 90 minutes of arguments in Manhattan federal court as Combs’ legal team sought to dismiss two violations of the Mann Act, a century-old law prohibiting the interstate transport of individuals for prostitution. Defense attorney Alexandra Shapiro called the statute an “embarrassment” with “racist and sexist origins,” while prosecutors maintained the charges were properly brought and reflected the public interest in combating prostitution tied to violence, drugs, and exploitation.
Combs, 55, was acquitted in July of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy—charges that could have carried a life sentence—but convicted on two Mann Act counts. Prosecutors alleged he financed and arranged hundreds of drug-fueled sex marathons involving male sex workers and his girlfriends, some of whom testified to being assaulted.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik argued the jury verdict should stand, saying Combs’ conduct underscored the dangers surrounding prostitution. Shapiro countered that Combs could not be held criminally liable for arranging and filming such encounters over 15 years.
The hip-hop mogul, jailed since his conviction, appeared in court wearing a prison uniform after the judge rejected his request for civilian clothing. Smiling, he greeted supporters, waved, and blew kisses to his family, telling them: “Every hour, every day, is me getting closer to going home. I’ve got some big plans for us.”
Combs has now spent nearly 13 months behind bars. His lawyers are asking for a 14-month sentence—effectively time served with good behavior credit—while prosecutors want him to serve “at least several more years.” Judge Subramanian has twice denied bail, citing Combs’ history of violence, and signaled he is leaning toward a substantial prison term.
Sentencing is set for October 3 in Manhattan federal court.
