Sean “Diddy” Combs will be sentenced Friday after a jury found him not guilty of the most serious charges in his federal trial, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, but convicted him of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
The split verdict followed an eight-week trial that centered on allegations from his former girlfriends — singer Cassie Ventura and “Jane” — who claimed Diddy manipulated and abused them over several years, including forcing them to participate in so-called “Freak Offs.”
While the acquittals mean Diddy avoids a potential life sentence, the convictions carry a maximum of 10 years each, leaving him facing up to 20 years in prison.
Prosecutors are asking that the rapper be sentenced to at least 135 months — more than 11 years — behind bars, while his defense team has asked for no more than 14 months.
Last week, the mogul appeared in court as his lawyers argued for an acquittal or to be granted a new trial. Judge Arun Subramanian denied those motions.
When is Diddy’s sentencing?
He will be sentenced at 10 a.m. on Friday, October 3.
How much time could Diddy serve?
Diddy faces a maximum of 10 years of prison time on each prostitution charge, which could result in up to 20 years in prison.
It is up to the judge whether sentences will run concurrently or consecutively.
The government has asked Subramanian to impose a sentence of at least 135 months.
“His crimes of conviction are serious and have warranted sentences over 10 years in multiple cases for defendants who, like Sean Combs, engaged in violence and put others in fear,” prosecutors wrote.
His defense team has asked for no more than 14 months’ imprisonment.
“Like all human beings, Mr. Combs is flawed, but he is the first to admit he has made many serious mistakes, and he has been working very hard to better himself and make the most of his time behind bars,” his lawyers wrote in a filing Thursday. “We respectfully submit that he deserves a chance to continue his rehabilitation outside the walls of a prison, and ask the Court to be merciful and afford him that opportunity.”
What can be expected at the sentencing hearing?
The judge allowed Diddy to wear non-prison clothing at Friday’s sentencing. Similar to the trial, he can wear one button-down shirt, one pair of pants, one sweater, and one pair of shoes without laces to court.
During Diddy’s sentencing hearing, Subramanian will determine his punishment for the prostitution-related convictions.
Before the hearing, a probation officer will prepare a pre-sentence report that outlines Diddy’s background, details of the offense, and input from victims. During the hearing, both the prosecution and defense present arguments, with prosecutors often pushing for a harsher sentence and defense attorneys highlighting mitigating factors like remorse or a lack of prior criminal history.
The 55-year-old has requested to address the court during the sentencing hearing.
“The sentencing proceeding holds significant importance for Mr. Combs. He wishes to appear before the Court, address Your Honor, and allocute in the most dignified and respectful fashion possible,” Teny Geragos, one of his attorneys, wrote in a filing last week.
At least four members of Diddy’s defense team will address the court at the sentencing, his lawyers told Subramanian, adding that they also plan to show a 15-minute video during the hearing. The contents of the video aren’t immediately clear.
Victims may also give impact statements.
For example, Mia, Diddy’s former assistant who testified under a pseudonym, will be allowed to read her victim impact statement in court. At the trial, she testified about the physical and sexual abuse she endured while working for the mogul.
Subramanian then considers sentencing guidelines, the seriousness of the offense, and Diddy’s circumstances before announcing the sentence, which could include prison time, probation, fines, or restitution.
After sentencing, Diddy may be taken into custody immediately or allowed to surrender later, and there may be opportunities for appeal.
