A judge has denied Sean “Diddy” Combs’ last-minute request to overturn his conviction, paving the way for his sentencing scheduled for Friday. Combs was found guilty of two counts of transportation for the purposes of prostitution, while he was acquitted of more serious allegations, including sex trafficking.
In the wake of the conviction, Combs’ accusers have taken to writing letters to the judge, urging for a sentence that reflects the gravity of his actions. One letter from his former assistant emphasizes that “wealth, power, and fame should not place him above the law.” Cassie Ventura, Combs’ ex-girlfriend, expressed her fears in a letter, warning that if he is released, “his first actions will be swift retribution toward me and others who spoke up about his abuse at trial.”
Prosecutors are advocating for an 11-year prison sentence, arguing that Combs’ use of fraud or coercion warrants a harsher penalty, which is double the standard for similar offenses. They assert that his actions have caused significant harm, justifying the call for a more severe sentence. In contrast, Combs’ defense team has labeled the prosecution’s request as “draconian,” arguing that it disregards the legal standards and calling for his release based on the 13 months he has already served.
In a minor concession for Combs, the judge has ruled that he will not be required to wear a prison jumpsuit during sentencing. Instead, he will be allowed to don a button-down shirt and slacks, similar to his attire during the trial. As the clock ticks down to sentencing, the tension surrounding Combs’ case remains palpable, with the potential for significant implications for both the music mogul and his accusers.
