“Diddy Faces Sentencing Showdown: Defense Pushes for Release as Judge Weighs Convictions”
Latest Update on Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Court Case (as of September 26, 2025)Sean “Diddy” Combs, the music mogul arrested in September 2024 on federal charges including sex trafficking and racketeering, has been detained at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center ever since.
His high-profile trial in Manhattan federal court concluded in July 2025 with a split verdict: He was acquitted of the most serious charges—racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, which could have carried a life sentence—but convicted on two lesser counts of transportation for purposes of prostitution under the Mann Act (one for each of two women involved in the alleged “freak-offs”). Each count carries a maximum of 10 years in prison, potentially totaling 20 years.Recent Developments
- September 25 Hearing: Combs made his first court appearance since the verdict for an 80-minute hearing before Judge Arun Subramanian. His defense team, led by attorneys Alexandra Shapiro and Marc Agnifilo, argued vigorously to vacate the convictions or grant a new trial. Key points included:
- The Mann Act should only apply to “pimping” or commercial exploitation, not Combs’ alleged “commercial voyeurism” (filming sexual encounters without a proven financial motive).
- The activity qualifies as protected “expressive conduct” under the First Amendment.
- “Spillover prejudice” from inflammatory evidence presented for the acquitted charges tainted the jury. Prosecutors countered that Combs facilitated the transport of his girlfriends and male escorts for paid sex acts, often involving drugs and violence, and that the evidence clearly violated the law. Family members, including Combs’ mother Janice and children like Christian “King” Combs, attended the hearing in support.
- Judge’s Response: Subramanian did not rule immediately but promised a decision “very shortly,” with a fallback hearing set for October 3 if needed. Combs appeared in court wearing a tan smock over a gray T-shirt.
Sentencing Outlook
- Scheduled Date: October 3, 2025—one week from now.
- Defense Push for Leniency: In a 380-page filing on September 23, lawyers requested no more than 14 months total (accounting for the 13 months already served), portraying Combs as a “humbled man” who’s achieved sobriety for the first time in 25 years, maintained an incident-free record in jail, and created an inmate education program called “Free Game With Diddy” on business and personal development. Over 70 letters from family, friends, ex-employees, and even ex-girlfriend Gina Huynh urged release, emphasizing his contributions and family impact.
- Prosecution and Guidelines: Prosecutors seek the maximum under federal guidelines (70-87 months recommended by probation), arguing the offenses were serious and involved coercion. Combs’ team called this “wildly out of proportion,” noting his life and businesses have already been “systematically dismantled.”
- Potential Outcomes: If the convictions stand and the judge grants the defense’s sentence, Combs could be released immediately. A pardon has been floated (he’s reportedly asked allies to lobby former President Trump), but his lead attorney denied direct involvement.
