Defense tells judge Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has served enough time behind bars
Sean “Diddy” Combs is seeking leniency ahead of his October 3, 2025 sentencing by urging a federal judge to impose a sentence of no more than 14 months — which is roughly equivalent to the time he has already served in pretrial detention. Combs was convicted in July 2025 by a Manhattan jury on two counts under the Mann Act — transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution-related purposes. He was acquitted of more severe charges, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, which had threatened much harsher punishment.
In a detailed court filing, defense attorneys described the personal, professional, and reputational damage that Combs has suffered during his time behind bars. They painted a picture of dramatic life consequences: the collapse of multiple business ventures, massive loss of income, over 100 employees let go, cancellation of media deals, removal from honorary positions, and estrangement from parts of his public life.
The defense also emphasized the conditions of his incarceration: more than a year spent in a notoriously harsh Federal Detention Center in Brooklyn, being under strict supervision and suicide watch, limited access to amenities, issues with physical health (including a painful knee injury), lack of sunlight or fresh air, and general deterioration in quality of life. These details are used to bolster their claim that Combs has already served enough time to reflect punishment and should be released with credit for time served.
Combs’ attorneys also pointed to the jury’s acquittals on the sex trafficking and racketeering counts as an “affirmative indication of innocence” in those respects — meaning that while he was found guilty on prostitution-related counts, the jury rejected what the defense views as the most damning or serious allegations. They argue this shows that the worst accusations did not stick, which should mitigate the appropriate sentence.
Meanwhile, prosecutors have countered that not only is a significantly longer sentence justified under the law and based on the nature of the offenses, but that the sentencing guidelines suggest a term of 4 to 5 years is more appropriate than what the defense requests. Judge Arun Subramanian will consider both sides’ arguments, and Combs will remain in custody until sentencing.
Why it matters
-
It tests how courts balance time served and pre-trial incarceration against statutory maximums and sentencing guidelines.
-
The case underscores public debates over fairness in celebrity prosecutions, and whether privilege or status should have any bearing on sentencing.
-
It highlights the impact of reputational harm and collateral consequences (business losses, family separation) as part of how defendants argue for leniency.
-
Raises questions about prison conditions, mental health, and what counts as enough punishment in cases involving non-violent, consensual acts (versus coercion claims).
-
The decision could set precedent for how future cases under similar statutes (like Mann Act or prostitution-transportation charges) are handled, especially as part of plea negotiations or sentencing of high-profile figures.
Key Legal Outcomes
-
Defense is requesting a sentence no greater than 14 months, roughly equal to Combs’ time already served. CBS News+1
-
Combs was convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution under the Mann Act; acquitted of more serious counts (racketeering, sex trafficking). CBS News+2Wikipedia+2
-
The sentencing hearing is set for October 3, 2025. CBS News
-
Prosecutors are expected to push for a significantly longer term (4-5 years) in their recommendation. Reuters+1
-
Defense argues jury’s acquittals on the more serious counts should serve as mitigating factors — calling the acquittals “affirmative indication of innocence” on those counts. CBS News
Publication date & Live Link
- Publication date: September 23, 2025 CBS News
- Live link: Sean “Diddy” Combs has served enough time behind bars, defense tells judge — CBS News CBS News
