By Muhammad Mamman
Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs will learn his fate today as a New York federal judge delivers sentence following his conviction on two prostitution-related charges.
The 55-year-old was acquitted in July of the more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, sparing him a potential life sentence. However, each of the remaining counts carries up to ten years in prison.
Prosecutors are pressing for a minimum of 11 years, describing Combs as “unrepentant” and a continuing public threat. His legal team, by contrast, is urging Judge Arun Subramanian to impose just 14 months — equivalent to time already served.
Ahead of sentencing, the court has reviewed victim impact statements, including testimony from former partner and singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura. She accused Combs of years of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, recounting harrowing details of violence and coercion during their decade-long relationship.
Combs, who has been in custody for over a year, has expressed remorse, admitting to “appalling” acts of violence. In a letter to the court, he said prison had left him “humbled and broken to the core” and vowed never to offend again.
His defence team argue his legacy is already “shattered” and point to letters of support urging leniency. Still, prosecutors insist his crimes warrant a lengthy custodial term.
Whatever the outcome, speculation lingers over whether Combs could ultimately seek a presidential pardon.
