A federal judge in Manhattan said Thursday that he will issue a ruling "very shortly" on the latest defense bid to dismiss two prostitution-related convictions against Sean "Diddy" Combs, who is set to be sentenced next week. Judge Arun Subramanian presided over nearly 90 minutes of oral arguments, where defense attorneys and prosecutors clashed over the legitimacy of the charges under the Mann Act.

Combs, 55, was convicted in July on two counts of arranging interstate travel for the purpose of prostitution. He faces sentencing on October 3 in Manhattan federal court. The jury acquitted him of more serious charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, which could have resulted in life in prison.

Defense Challenges Mann Act as Racist and Sexist

Defense attorney Alexandra Shapiro urged the judge to vacate the convictions, arguing that the Mann Act—officially the White-Slave Traffic Act of 1910—has "racist and sexist origins" that are "well documented and beyond dispute." She described the law as "an embarrassment to the United States of America." The Mann Act was originally enacted to combat forced prostitution and human trafficking, but historians note it was often used to prosecute interracial relationships and target African American men.

Shapiro contended that Combs cannot be held criminally liable for financing and coordinating travel for consensual sexual performances between male sex workers and his girlfriends, even if those performances were drug-fueled and filmed over a 15-year period. She argued that the government's case relied on outdated moral standards and failed to prove any coercive conduct after the jury rejected the sex trafficking allegations.

Judge Subramanian had previously declined to dismiss the charges before trial and appeared skeptical during the hearing. However, he promised to issue a decision quickly, given the impending sentencing date.

Prosecution Defends Convictions

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik countered that the prosecution against Combs demonstrated the continued necessity of fighting prostitution because of the violence, drugs, and sexually transmitted diseases that often accompany it. She highlighted testimony from two of Combs' former girlfriends who described being beaten and kicked by him. Prosecutors said Combs paid for and arranged hundreds of elaborate, drug-fueled sexual performances involving male sex workers and his romantic partners.

Slavik argued that the jury verdict should stand because the charges were properly brought under the Mann Act, and that it is in the public interest to prevent prostitution, especially when linked to violence and drug abuse. She emphasized that Combs' actions were not simply consensual arrangements but involved coercion, control, and exploitation.

Combs Appears in Court in Prison Uniform

Combs entered the courtroom with a smile, waving to supporters and touching his heart before taking his seat among his legal team. He was required to wear his prison uniform after the judge denied a defense request for civilian clothing. Judge Subramanian explained that the defense had failed to provide a legal precedent or justification for allowing Combs to wear street clothes when no jury was present.

During the hearing, Combs did not speak except to greet the judge. At the end, he blew kisses to his family—including his mother, three daughters, and three sons—and said, "Thank you all for coming. I love you all so much. Every hour, every day, is me getting closer to going home." He also told them, "I've got some big plans for us."

Sentencing Recommendations and Bail Denials

In a presentence submission, defense lawyers argued that Combs' family has suffered greatly since his arrest, including significant financial losses due to canceled business opportunities. They recommended a sentence of no more than 14 months in prison. With credit for good behavior, Combs would be released immediately if the judge adopted that recommendation.

Prosecutors have indicated they will seek at least several more years behind bars, though they have not yet submitted their formal sentencing recommendation. The judge has twice denied bail since the conviction, citing Combs' history of violence and the seriousness of the offenses. Combs has been incarcerated for nearly 13 months since his arrest in September 2024.

The judge's upcoming ruling on the motion to dismiss could significantly alter the sentencing landscape. If the convictions are thrown out, Combs would be freed without further penalty. If they are upheld, the judge will proceed with sentencing next week, weighing the defense's request for leniency against the prosecution's call for substantial prison time.

Background on the Mann Act and Combs' Career

The Mann Act was enacted in 1910 to combat white slavery and the forced prostitution of women across state lines. Over the decades, its application has expanded, and it has been criticized for being used to punish consensual sexual activity, particularly among marginalized groups. Legal scholars have noted that the law has a complicated history, including its use against civil rights leaders and musicians.

Sean "Diddy" Combs rose to fame in the 1990s as a record producer and rapper, founding Bad Boy Records. He has won multiple Grammy Awards and built a business empire spanning music, fashion, and spirits. His legal troubles have escalated since 2023, when multiple civil lawsuits and criminal investigations emerged alleging sexual misconduct, assault, and racketeering. The federal case centered on his alleged operation of a network of sex workers for his personal gratification and the exploitation of women.

The trial, which lasted several weeks, featured testimony from multiple accusers and detailed evidence of Combs' lavish lifestyle and control over his associates. The jury's split verdict—convicting on the Mann Act counts but acquitting on the major trafficking charges—reflected the complexity of the case and the challenges of proving coercion in relationships involving wealth and power.

As the judge prepares to rule on the dismissal motion, legal observers are watching closely. If the convictions stand, Combs faces a potentially lengthy prison sentence. If they are vacated, he could walk free on October 3. The decision will have significant implications not only for Combs but also for the interpretation of the Mann Act in modern prosecutions.

Source: Ny1 News