Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs back in court ahead of potential 11-year prison term

Sean “Diddy” Combs is awaiting sentencing in Manhattan federal court, where Judge Arun Subramanian will decide how long the hip-hop mogul spends in prison. The ruling is expected later today.

Sean “Diddy” Combs is awaiting sentencing in Manhattan federal court after his July conviction on two prostitution-related charges under the Mann Act, which makes it illegal to transport people across state lines for prostitution or other unlawful sexual activity. Prosecutors are seeking more than 11 years in prison, while his defence team has asked for just over a year, citing his remorse and rehabilitation.

Combs’ seven children, all but his two-year-old daughter Love, addressed the court, pleading for mercy. Daughters Chance and D’Lila Combs broke down in tears, with D’Lila saying she fears losing her father and being effectively parentless after the 2018 death of their mother, Kim Porter. “We are tired of being strong. We have already lost so much… Please, your honor, please give our family the chance to heal together, to rebuild, to change, to move forward,” she said. Chance added that their father is actively working to improve himself.

Sons Christian, Quincy Brown, and Justin Combs echoed the calls for leniency. Christian described his father as “more patient, more relaxed, more trusting, more understanding and just a better man,” while Justin called him his “superhero” and said seeing him stripped of everything was unforgettable. Quincy said Combs “has learned a lesson” and is “completely transformed.” Judge Arun Subramanian thanked the children for speaking, noting it was difficult but important for the court to hear.

Two of Combs’ attorneys have spoken so far, contrasting his case with others involving far more serious crimes. One lawyer, Westmoreland, highlighted Combs’ impact on the Black community, his influence on fellow inmates, and his desire to make positive changes if released. The defence also played an 11-minute video portraying Combs as a parent, businessman, and philanthropist, featuring home videos and career highlights. Three more defence lawyers, along with Combs himself, are expected to speak after a lunch break, scheduled until 2 p.m.

Judge Subramanian described the evidence against Combs as “overwhelming,” including testimony that escorts were paid thousands to sleep with his former partner Cassie Ventura and another woman known as Jane. He rejected claims that the case involved only consensual sex.

Defence lawyer Brian Steel told the court that Sean “Diddy” Combs’ “untreated trauma” and “ferocious drug addiction” contributed to his misconduct. He noted Combs lost his father at age three and later became dependent on painkillers, at times risking his life, and described him as a “moral man,” “family man,” and “the hardest working person I have ever known.”

Steel said Combs’ self-punishment should be considered. “Mr. Combs does not need any additional time in custody… it will stay with him for the rest of his days.”

The defence stressed Combs’ role as a father. “He grew up without a father… and he swore he would be there for his children. That’s what Sean is fighting for,” Steel said.

He added that Combs remains haunted by past violent outbursts, citing trauma, addiction, and the 1997 murder of his friend Christopher Wallace, aka Notorious B.I.G.

Steel is the third of five defence lawyers expected to speak at the hearing.

The sentencing marks another dramatic turn in the career of one of hip-hop’s most recognisable figures. Rising from Harlem in the 1990s, Combs built Bad Boy Records into a powerhouse and expanded into fashion, beverages, and television. His empire, however, has been overshadowed by allegations of abuse, culminating in his arrest in September 2024.

A final ruling on his prison term is expected later today.

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