Legal representatives of renowned music figure Sean (Diddy) Combs have petitioned a judge on Monday for a maximum prison term of 14 months following his conviction on two charges related to solicitation, which would result in his immediate release if the judge concurs.
In a formal document, Combs’s legal counsel asserted that he has endured sufficient punishment already.
The lawyers communicated to Judge Arun Subramanian, who is slated to determine the sentence for the former hip-hop magnate on October 3, that “Mr. Combs’s reputation as a celebrity in the music, fashion, alcohol, media, and financial spheres has been irreparably damaged, and his legacy obliterated.”
The court submission also shed light on Combs’s experiences during his nearly 13-month incarceration, detailing intense monitoring by guards and at least one instance of physical threat.
Combs was found guilty in July on two charges under the Mann Act, which prohibits interstate transactions associated with solicitation. Prosecutors alleged that he orchestrated paid intimate encounters between his partners and male sex workers. Each offense carries a maximum sentence of 10 years behind bars.
The founder of Bad Boy Records was acquitted of charges related to racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, which could have led to a life sentence.
In their written argument, Combs’s legal team contended that the jury’s decision exonerating Combs from the most severe allegations sent a clear message.
Sean (Diddy) Combs was found guilty on solicitation-related charges but acquitted on more severe allegations of racketeering and sex trafficking, resulting in a potential 20-year sentence. However, the courtroom triumph was dampened when the judge refused bail for the former rap mogul.
“He has endured more than a year in one of the most notorious penitentiaries in the United States — yet has utilized that penalty to its fullest. It is time for Mr. Combs to reunite with his family, receive necessary treatment, and embark on the subsequent chapter of his extraordinary life,” they appended.
Prosecutors have announced plans to advocate for an extended period of imprisonment for Combs.
Monitoring for suicide risk
Combs’s incarceration has been marked by distressing incidents, according to his legal representatives.
At one point, an inmate confronted Combs with a makeshift blade, accusing him of occupying his seat, as recounted by the lawyers. Combs reportedly pacified the individual.
They mentioned that he is under constant observation for suicide risk, necessitating him to present his ID card to guards every two hours to confirm his well-being. Additionally, he is frequently roused from sleep in a brightly lit cell.
Combs warms his drinking water due to concerns about its cleanliness and is required to sleep within close proximity to other detainees in a communal setting with an open bathroom, devoid of a door, the attorneys detailed.</