A federal judge in Manhattan said he will soon decide whether to dismiss two prostitution-related charges against Sean “Diddy” Combs or proceed with his sentencing scheduled for next week. The announcement came after nearly 90 minutes of legal arguments regarding the legitimacy of the charges brought against the music producer.
Combs, who is 55, was convicted in July on two counts related to arranging interstate travel for individuals involved in prostitution. His sentencing is set for October 3, by which time he will have spent almost 13 months in jail.
During Thursday’s hearing, defense attorney Alexandra Shapiro called for the dismissal of the Mann Act violations that led to Combs’ conviction. She argued that the law has a controversial history. “The ‘infamous law’ had ‘racist and sexist origins’ that are ‘well documented and beyond dispute.’ The whole history of the statute is really, I would submit, an embarrassment to the United States of America,” Shapiro told Judge Arun Subramanian.
Shapiro also maintained that Combs should not be held responsible for financing or arranging transportation domestically and internationally for sex performances, which prosecutors allege he frequently filmed over a period spanning 15 years.
Prosecutors countered these arguments by emphasizing the broader societal issues connected to prostitution. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik stated that prosecuting Combs demonstrated “the necessity of fighting prostitution because of the violence, drugs and sexual diseases that often accompany it.” Slavik further asserted that keeping the jury’s verdict intact was in the public interest due to “the kind of violence and drugs that occurred when Combs was involved.”
Testimony during trial included accounts from some of Combs’ girlfriends who described being beaten, kicked, and choked by him. Prosecutors claimed Combs arranged drug-fueled sexual events involving male sex workers and his partners.
Combs appeared in court accompanied by family members but did not speak during proceedings except to greet Judge Subramanian. At the end of the hearing, he addressed his family: “Thank you all for coming. I love you all so much. Every hour, every day, is me getting closer to going home.” He added: “I’ve got some big plans for us.”
Judge Subramanian previously denied bail for Combs following his conviction earlier this year.
Defense lawyers have asked that any sentence imposed not exceed 14 months—an outcome which could allow immediate release with credit for good behavior. Prosecutors indicated they believe a longer prison term is warranted but will submit their recommendation next week.
