Sean “Diddy” Combs returned to a federal courtroom in New York City for a post-trial hearing on Thursday, Sept. 25.
After the hearing, during which Combs’ attorney argued that his prostitution convictions should be overturned, the Bad Boy Records founder blew a kiss to his mother, Janice, 84, and expressed love to other family members in attendance.
Combs, 55, appeared in light-colored prison attire and sported a fuller salt-and-pepper beard.
In July, the music mogul was found not guilty of racketeering and sex trafficking following a high-profile federal trial this summer, but guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. He remains behind bars, having been denied bail prior to sentencing.
The hearing focused on post-trial motions, including a defense argument that his prostitution conviction should not stand.
Combs’ legal team contended that the First Amendment should shield him from a prostitution conviction, claiming he was merely a viewer of sexual acts.
Judge Arun Subramanian appeared skeptical, questioning whether that rationale could mean any filmed prostitution would be protected under the First Amendment. He did not immediately rule on the motion. Combs’ attorney, Alexandra Shapiro, countered with examples involving role-playing and wigs.
If the conviction holds, Combs is scheduled to be sentenced in October. In a sentencing memorandum, his defense team requested that Subramanian impose no more than 14 months in prison, nearly matching the time Combs has already served since his arrest in September 2024.
Although acquitted of the most serious charges, Combs still faces the possibility of several years behind bars.
In their filing, Combs’ lawyers cited the harsh conditions he has endured at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center.
“The Sentencing Guidelines — as well as the data from previous cases discussed above — do not adequately consider the pervasive violence and inhumane conditions of confinement that Mr. Combs has experienced at the MDC,” the filing states.
