NEW YORK — Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is scheduled to be sentenced Friday after being convicted of two counts of violating the federal Mann Act, which prohibits transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution or unlawful sexual activity. He was acquitted of more serious charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering.
Conviction and Sentencing Outlook
A Manhattan jury in July found Combs guilty of arranging interstate travel for two women — including singer Cassie Ventura — and several male sex workers for paid encounters. He was cleared of the more severe racketeering and sex trafficking charges that could have carried life sentences.
Federal prosecutors are recommending more than 11 years in prison, citing testimony about coercion, intimidation, and violent conduct. Defense attorneys have urged the court to impose no more than 14 months, highlighting Combs’ time already served, efforts at rehabilitation, and expressions of remorse.
Mann Act and Legal Context
The Mann Act, enacted in 1910 and later amended, was originally known as the “White-Slave Traffic Act.” Its purpose has shifted over time, with courts narrowing its scope to focus on sexual exploitation rather than broad moral concerns.
Legal experts point to parallels with recent cases brought under the law, including prosecutions of R. Kelly and Ghislaine Maxwell, noting that its broad language still provides prosecutors with considerable power in sex-crimes cases.
Testimony From Victims
Ventura testified that she was coerced into repeated sexual encounters during her relationship with Combs, including situations involving hired sex workers. Another woman, identified in court as “Jane,” described being pressured into what she called “sex marathons” arranged by the defendant.
In a victim statement filed with the court, Ventura urged the judge to impose a strong sentence:
“Every day I live with what happened to me, and I fear what might happen if he is allowed to walk free again,” she wrote. “This sentence is not just about justice for me, but about safety for others.”
Judicial Considerations
Judge Arun Subramanian has kept Combs in custody since the July verdict, citing concerns about risks to witnesses. At sentencing, the court may also consider “acquitted conduct” — allegations introduced at trial but not part of the formal convictions.
Prosecutors argue Combs remains dangerous and has shown little accountability, while defense lawyers maintain he has turned a corner in his life and should not face a sentence beyond what is proportionate to the convictions.
What Comes Next
Sentencing is set for Oct. 3 in federal court in New York. Combs is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. The outcome could influence future cases involving acquitted conduct and sentencing discretion in federal courts.