Judge Denies Diddy's New Trial Request Ahead of Sentencing

Sean "Diddy" Combs has been denied a new trial and acquittal in his federal case involving Mann Act violations, just days before his sentencing. Judge Arun Subramanian ruled that there was overwhelming evidence proving Combs transported male escorts across state lines for prostitution, rejecting defense claims that his recordings constituted protected amateur pornography and that joining sex trafficking and RICO charges with Mann Act counts prejudiced the jury. The judge highlighted that Combs was acquitted of the more serious RICO and sex trafficking charges, indicating no spillover prejudice affected the Mann Act conviction. Prosecutors have recommended a sentence of at least 11 years in prison, citing Combs's unrepentant attitude and the nature of his crimes, while his attorneys argued for a sentence of no more than 14 months, claiming he has been sufficiently punished. Combs has remained in custody since his arrest, with multiple bail requests denied. The case prominently featured testimony from Combs's ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, among others, underscoring the severity of the allegations and evidence against him.