Sean 'Diddy' Combs legal team seeks near-immediate release ahead of Mann Act sentencing

Sean “Diddy” Combs

Sean “Diddy” Combs, the Grammy-winning rapper and mogul, is back in the legal spotlight as his sentencing for two Mann Act violations approaches. His powerhouse legal team, led by Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos, asked Judge Arun Subramanian for what they describe as “near-immediate release,” citing the months Combs has already spent behind bars and arguing for leniency.

The 54-year-old music icon was found not guilty on July 3 of three serious federal charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking. Despite this victory, Combs remains incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn, awaiting sentencing on October 3.

His attorneys argue that the jury’s verdict should guide the court’s sentence, and warn against imposing punishment based on allegations the jury did not convict him of.

Defense Highlights Time Served and Personal Challenges

In a lengthy memorandum, Sean 'Diddy' Combs lawyers emphasized that their client has endured the “full force” of the government’s prosecution. They note that Sean 'Diddy' Combs has remained sober during his 13 months at MDC, a facility infamous for violence and substandard conditions. The attorneys even cited reports of maggot-infested food, highlighting the difficult environment Combs has endured.

The memorandum also points to Sean 'Diddy' Combs charitable work, personal struggles—including the murder of his father, the loss of his late girlfriend Kim Porter, and the unsolved death of rap legend Notorious B.I.G.—and his role as a father to seven children.

His legal team emphasizes that these factors support a lighter sentence by arguing that therapy and rehabilitation are most successful outside of prison walls.

Sentencing Recommendations and Context

Given that comparable Mann Act infractions normally carry a 15-month sentence, Sean 'Diddy' Combs' lawyers suggested a maximum of 14 months.

They argue that the government’s push for a harsher sentence is disproportionate given the jury’s findings. “Mr. Combs must be sentenced for what the jury convicted him of,” the memo reads, “not for unproven allegations of sex trafficking and racketeering.”

The courtroom is set for a return on October 3, when Sean “Diddy” Combs will finally learn his fate. Fans, industry insiders, and the media will be watching closely as the rap mogul’s high-stakes legal saga continues.

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FAQs

Q1: If Sean "Diddy" Combs was found not guilty of serious charges, why is he still behind bars?
Although Combs was found not guilty of racketeering or sex trafficking, he is still awaiting sentencing for two Mann Act violations.

Q2: What punishment are Diddy's lawyers asking for?
Citing time already served and individual circumstances, his legal team is asking for almost immediate release, with a maximum of 14 months.

Q3: When is the sentencing date for Sean "Diddy" Combs?
On October 3, 2025, Combs will appear in court once more for sentencing.