Hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing the possibility of more than 10 years behind bars as his sentencing continues in a Manhattan courthouse.
The music executive, 55, was found guilty on two counts of transporting individuals for the purposes of prostitution.
Prosecutors are pushing for a minimum of 135 months over 11 years in prison, citing Combs’ lack of remorse and the severe harm inflicted on victims.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik described his actions as “coercion” and “violence,” adding that they went far beyond “freak offs and hotel rooms,” pointing instead to a disturbing pattern of exploitation.
One of the key witnesses, identified under the pseudonym “Mia,” testified that she endured years of abuse while working for Combs between 2009 and 2017.
She recounted sexual assaults, physical violence, and relentless psychological control. “I couldn’t tell him ‘no’ about anything,” she told jurors.
Mia also described incidents where Combs threw her into a swimming pool, dumped ice on her, and slammed a door on her arm.
She testified that he raped her in 2010 and subjected her to chaotic, toxic conditions that left her relying on medication just to stay awake.
Her testimony echoed earlier accounts from Combs’ longtime girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura, who told jurors about years of violence and being forced into drug-fueled sex marathons known as “freak-offs.”
Another woman, referred to as “Jane,” is also expected to testify about similar experiences.
Combs’ children have spoken out in his defense, with some appearing at the sentencing to plead for leniency.
His legal team has submitted letters from doctors and reentry program representatives while pushing for a sentence of just 14 months, equal to time already served.
But the court expressed doubts. The judge criticized a defense letter as “bullying” and inappropriate, backing prosecutors who argued it attempted to intimidate witnesses.
Combs, who has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking and racketeering, denies using threats or his celebrity status to commit abuse.
However, multiple witnesses, including Mia, detailed years of violence that left lasting scars.
The sentencing hearing is ongoing, with the judge expected to weigh the powerful testimonies and the prosecution’s call for a lengthy prison term against the defense’s pleas for leniency.
The case has drawn global attention, marking one of the most significant scandals to hit the music industry in decades.
