Sean 'Diddy' Combs Faces Sentencing with Potential 11-Year Prison Term for Mann Act Violations

In a poignant letter addressed to the judge, Sean "Diddy" Combs declared, "The old me died in jail, and a new version of me was reborn."

The sentencing hearing for hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs commenced Friday, presenting stark contrasts as prosecutors pushed for substantial prison time while his children emotionally pleaded for leniency. The 55-year-old music executive faces sentencing following his July conviction on charges related to transporting individuals across state lines for prolonged sexual encounters.

Federal prosecutors are seeking an 11-year imprisonment for Combs, though the jury acquitted him of more severe racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges that potentially carried a life sentence. His defense team, meanwhile, argues for immediate release, citing his year-plus pre-trial detention as sufficient punishment.

The nearly two-month Manhattan federal court trial featured testimonies from women who described experiencing beatings, threats, sexual assault, and blackmail at Combs' hands. The mogul was expected to address the court later Friday, following emotional statements from his children.

Prosecutor Christy Slavik emphasized to US District Judge Arun Subramanian that a lenient sentence would essentially allow Combs to escape accountability for years of alleged domestic violence. "It's a case about a man who did horrible things to real people to satisfy his own sexual gratification," Slavik stated. "He didn't need the money. His currency was control."

Prosecutors also criticized Combs for reportedly scheduling a speaking engagement in Miami for the following week, describing it as "the height of hubris."

Combs' conviction includes two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, violating the federal Mann Act.

Defense attorney Jason Driscoll contended that the Mann Act should never have been applied to his client, while another defense lawyer, Nicole Westmoreland, became emotional while highlighting Combs' positive influence. "Mr. Combs is not larger than life. He's a human being. And he's made some mistakes. He has flaws, like we all do," Westmoreland argued. "But judge, how many of us can say that we helped so many lives, countless lives?"

Several of Combs' children gathered around the courtroom podium, imploring Judge Subramanian to grant their father another chance.

"My father is my superhero. Seeing him broken down and stripped of everything is something I will never forget," stated Justin Combs, suggesting that his father's incarceration had beneficial aspects, including helping him overcome substance abuse issues.

His daughters Chance and D'Lila Combs wept while delivering prepared statements, with D'Lila expressing fear of effectively becoming parentless following their mother Kim Porter's 2018 death should their father receive extended imprisonment. Six of Combs' seven children spoke during the proceedings, with only his two-year-old daughter Love absent from addressing the court.

Judge Subramanian, who has twice denied bail requests, indicated Combs was unlikely to be released from federal custody imminently. The judge noted that despite acquittal on certain charges, the verdict doesn't absolve Combs of underlying conduct involving violence and coercion.

Former girlfriend and R&B singer Casandra "Cassie" Ventura testified that Combs compelled her to engage in "disgusting" sexual encounters with strangers hundreds of times during their decade-long relationship. Jurors repeatedly viewed footage showing Combs dragging and assaulting her in a Los Angeles hotel hallway following one such extended "freak-off."

Another witness testifying under the pseudonym "Jane" described experiencing violence and feeling obligated to perform sexually with male sex workers during drug-fueled "hotel nights" while Combs observed and sometimes recorded the encounters.

A former personal assistant who testified as "Mia" was initially scheduled to speak Friday but withdrew following defense objections. She had accused Combs of raping her in 2010 and urged the judge to impose a sentence reflecting "the ongoing danger my abuser poses to me and to others."

Defense lawyers planned to present an 11-minute video highlighting Combs' family life, professional accomplishments, and philanthropic endeavors.

Combs entered the courtroom wearing casual business attire, embracing his legal team and acknowledging family and supporters. Outside the courthouse, media representatives and onlookers gathered in large numbers.

To support their racketeering allegations, prosecutors had presented testimony about other violent incidents. One of Cassie's friends claimed Combs dangled her from a 17th-floor balcony. Rapper Kid Cudi testified that Combs forcibly entered his residence after discovering his relationship with Cassie.

In Thursday's letter to the judge, Combs claimed personal transformation during incarceration, pledging never to reoffend.

Cassie countered in her own correspondence, characterizing him as an abuser who "will always be the same cruel, power-hungry, manipulative man that he is."

Combs' legal representatives maintain that the sexual encounters were consensual and that his year in detention has fostered sobriety and genuine remorse. During a recent hearing, Combs told his family members he was "getting closer to going home."