Diddy Seeks New Trial Ahead of Oct. 3

Sean “Diddy” Combs returned to federal court seeking to vacate his two Mann Act prostitution convictions or obtain a new trial ahead of his Oct. 3 sentencing, while also pressing for time‑served or a lenient term. His lawyers argued the statute was misapplied, contending the women consented to the encounters and raising First Amendment and consent issues over filmed conduct; prosecutors said Combs arranged and reimbursed escorts and that violence, drugs and coercion were part of the conduct. A Manhattan jury previously acquitted him of more serious racketeering and sex‑trafficking charges. Judge Arun Subramanian adjourned the hearing and has not yet ruled; he earlier denied bond, citing evidence of violent behavior and ongoing illegal activity. Combs has served roughly 13 months at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center (where he taught an entrepreneurship class), faces a statutory maximum of 20 years on the two counts, and prosecutors and probation officials have urged a substantially longer sentence. Additional civil allegations have surfaced as the case moves toward sentencing, and Combs is expected to appeal.