NEW YORK (AP) — A federal judge said Thursday he’ll rule “very shortly” whether to toss out two prostitution-related charges that Sean “Diddy” Combs was convicted of in July or to move forward with a sentencing planned for next week.
Judge Arun Subramanian listened to nearly 90 minutes of arguments by lawyers over whether the charges were properly brought against the Grammy-winning hip-hop producer.
Combs, 55, is scheduled to be sentenced next week in Manhattan federal court for his conviction on two counts alleging that he arranged interstate travel for people engaged in prostitution.
Defense attorney Alexandra Shapiro urged the judge to toss out two violations of the Mann Act that resulted in conviction. The jury acquitted him of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.
Prosecutors said he arranged for paid sexual encounters between male sex workers and his girlfriends, some of whom testified about being beaten, kicked and choked by Combs.
Shapiro argued that Combs cannot be held responsible for financing and helping to arrange the transportation domestically and internationally for elaborate sex performances that he frequently filmed over a 15-year period.
Christy Slavik, a prosecutor argued that the jury verdict should stand, saying it was in the public interest to prevent prostitution, particularly when it involves the kind of violence and drugs that occurred when Combs was involved.
As he entered the courtroom, a smiling Combs waved to his supporters and touched his heart before taking his seat among several lawyers. He did not speak during the hearing except to greet the judge.
At the end of the hearing, Combs blew kisses to his family, which included his mother, three daughters and three sons.
“Thank you all for coming. I love you all so much,” he said. “Every hour, every day, is me getting closer to going home.”
He also told them: “I’ve got some big plans for us.”
Subramanian has denied bail for the Bad Boy Records founder after he was convicted of prostitution-related charges in July.
Combs will have been jailed for nearly 13 months when he is sentenced Oct. 3.
His lawyers argued in court papers submitted this week that he should be sentenced to no more than 14 months in prison. With credit for good behavior, that would mean he would be released immediately.
Prosecutors have said they believe he should spend at least several more years behind bars, although they won’t submit their sentencing recommendations to the judge until next week.
The judge has signaled that he, too, is leaning toward a substantial amount of prison time, twice refusing to grant bail since the jury returned its verdict, citing Combs’ history of violence.
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