Sean Diddy Combs faces sentencing today for crimes prosecutors say deserve more than a decade behind bars as the pleads for mercy and a swift release.
Diddy was convicted on two counts of prostitution charges during a grueling eight-week trial in July, but was acquitted of the two more serious charges against him of sex trafficking and racketeering.
Prosecutors have recommended just over 11 years in prison for Combs for transporting male prostitutes across state lines for wild freak-off sex parties, including with his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura.
The defense has requested a significantly lower sentence of less than 14 months, counting the time he has already served, which would allow him to be released by the end of the year.
Diddy even wrote a letter to Judge Arun Subramanian requesting leniency, claiming to take full responsibility and accountability and be sincerely sorry for the hurt and pain that I have caused others by my conduct.
Subramanian, who will decide his sentence, has signaled that Combs is unlikely to be freed soon. He twice rejected bail for the rapper, who has been jailed at a federal detention center in Brooklyn since his arrest a year ago.
How much time could Diddy serve?
Sean 'Diddy' Combs will be sentenced this morning for his conviction on two prostitution-related counts - crimes prosecutors say deserve more than a decade behind bars.
The two prostitution-related counts each carry a maximum penalty of a decade in prison.
Prosecutors are urging Judge Arun Subramanian to sentence Combs to at least 11 years, calling him 'unrepentant' and a public threat.
Diddy's lawyers meanwhile have asked that the judge grant him 14 months, which would effectively be time served.
Ahead of his decision, Subramanian is weighing materials including victim impact statements. At least one witness, a former assistant who testified under the name Mia, is expected to read her statement in court.
The judge also has reference letters supporting Combs - in addition to a lengthy plea for leniency from the artist himself.
Picture: Flanked by defense attorneys Teny Geragos, left, and Brian Steel, right, Sean 'Diddy' Combs, center, reacts after he was denied bail on prostitution-related offenses in Manhattan federal court on July 2, 2025.
When is Diddy's sentencing?
Sean 'Diddy' Combs will appear in federal court in Manhattan this morning at 10am for his sentencing.
The sentencing comes after a nearly two-month trial featuring testimony from women who described being beaten, threatened, sexually assaulted and blackmailed by Combs.
The rapper is expected to speak directly to Judge Arun Subramanian during today's hearing.
Diddy was convicted on two counts of prostitution charges during the grueling eight-week trial.
A jury acquitted Combs, 55, of more serious racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges that could have put him away for life.
DEEP DIVE delves into the downfall of Diddy
DEEP DIVE delves into Diddy’s 30-year reign of excess and debauchery in unprecedented detail, starting with his ‘crazy’ fits of rage as a student in the 1980s that earned him the disturbing ‘Puff’ nickname.
Contained within hundreds of pages of civil court documents are the horrifying details of his tempestuous relationship with Cassie Ventura – which ultimately led to the floodgates opening.
Among the many allegations contained within the papers are claims that Diddy filmed fellow A-list celebrities taking drugs and having sex with prostitutes.
Long queue outside courthouse ahead of Diddy's sentencing
A long queue has formed outside the federal courthouse in New York City this morning as people eagerly wait to enter the facility for Diddy's sentencing.
Diddy was convicted on two counts of prostitution charges during a grueling eight-week trial in July.
He was acquitted of the two more serious charges against him of sex trafficking and racketeering.
Diddy begs judge for 'mercy' ahead of sentencing
Diddy wrote a four-page letter to Judge Arun Subramanian, who will decide his sentence, requesting leniency and 'mercy' ahead of his sentencing.
He alleged he wanted to resume his role as primary caretaker for his ill mother and focus his efforts on being a good father to his seven children.
The rapper claimed to 'take full responsibility' for his actions and issued an apology to his victims.
'First and foremost, I want to apologize and say how sincerely sorry I am for all of the hurt and pain that I have caused others by my conduct,' he wrote.
'I take full responsibility and accountability for my past wrongs.'
The letter also saw Diddy reflect on his time in prison and his trial, alleging that the 'scene and images of me assaulting Cassie play over and over in my head daily'.
'I lost my way. I got lost in my journey. Lost in the drugs and the excess,' he continued. 'My downfall was rooted in my selfishness.'
