Sean “Diddy” Combs appeared in a New York federal court on Thursday in another attempt to have his prostitution convictions tossed before sentencing.
According to The New York Times, Sean Combs’ legal team contended that the allegations were misusing the Mann Act, which federal prosecutors argued was violated when Combs allegedly coerced women with drugs and violence to engage in prolonged sexual activities. Combs’ lawyers are urging Judge Arun Subramanian to assess if his actions qualify as prostitution under the Mann Act before his sentencing scheduled for October 3.
The Associated Press noted that during Thursday’s court session, Combs remained silent except for acknowledging the judge’s presence. He was seen waving to his supporters as he made his way into the courtroom.
“Thank you all for coming. I love you all so much. Every hour, every day, is me getting closer to going home,” Combs commented after the 90-minute hearing. “I’ve got some big plans for us.”
Having been incarcerated for almost 13 months, Combs was found guilty in July for the crime of transporting individuals for the purpose of prostitution. Following his conviction, his attorneys immediately attempted to secure his release with a $1 million bond.
However, Judge Subramanian denied this motion, referencing the violent conduct Combs exhibited towards past partners. The judge also highlighted that Combs continued his illegal actions even during the period of a federal investigation.
During the proceedings, the jury heard from three women, each accusing Combs of abusive behavior, either physically or sexually. Cassie Ventura, who was in a relationship with Combs from 2007 to 2018, testified that Combs hindered her music career while compelling her to partake in “freak offs,” which often involved her having sexual encounters with other men in Combs’ presence.
Ventura said the drug-fueled ordeals left her sleep-deprived and dehydrated, as they would last for days on end.
Another victim, who used the alias “Mia,” worked as Combs’ assistant for eight years. She accused Combs of forcing her to perform oral sex and sneaking into her bed to penetrate her without her consent. She also claimed Combs hurled objects at her and threw her against a wall.
A third woman, who used the pseudonym “Jane,” dated Combs from 2021 to 2024. She testified about “hotel nights,” which allegedly were sexual rendezvous arranged by Combs. Combs reportedly watched these encounters, which Jane said she had to be under the influence of drugs to participate.
The defense did not call a single witness to testify. Instead, they presented texts between Combs and the alleged victims, which they believe proved the sex encounters were consensual and non-coercive.
They compared Combs and Ventura to “swingers” — and claimed the issues in their relationship stemmed from Combs dating other women, not from the alleged “freak offs.”
Earlier this week, Combs’ attorneys asked the court to immediately sentence him to 14 months, facilitating his immediate release. Combs denied a plea deal days before his sentencing.
The New York Post reported that Combs is expected to wear his own clothes at next week’s sentencing hearing.
[Feature Photo: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)]
