Prosecutors Accuse Rapper of Arrogance
Disgraced hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has been accused of showing arrogance ahead of his sentencing, with prosecutors revealing he has already booked speaking engagements for next week on the assumption he will walk free.
The disclosure came during arguments in Manhattan federal court on Friday, as prosecutors pressed their case that the Bad Boy Records founder should be sentenced to more than 11 years behind bars.
Assistant US Attorney Mary Slavik told the judge that Combs, 55, had still not accepted responsibility for his actions despite being convicted.
“Even now at sentencing for two federal crimes, he doesn’t fully grapple with how his actions got him here,” Slavik said. “His respect for the law is just lip service.”
She told the court that Combs had arranged speaking events in Miami next week, describing it as “the height of hubris, your honour.”
Exploiting Victims for Power
The comments came as Slavik accused Combs of using wealth and influence to exploit and humiliate his victims, including singer Cassie Ventura, his former long-term partner.
Combs was convicted in July on two counts of prostitution but acquitted of more serious charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering.
The two-month trial had laid bare disturbing allegations, including accounts of “freak-offs” — drug-fuelled sex marathons involving baby oil and hired male escorts, which prosecutors said he forced Ventura and others to join.
But Slavik told the court the case was not simply about the excesses of Combs’ private life.
“This isn’t a case about just sex,” she said. “It’s a case about real victims who suffered real harm at the hands of the defendant … about a man who did horrible things to satisfy his own gratification.”
Victims’ Voices Silenced
Victims, including Ventura, submitted statements about the trauma they endured, though they were not expected to appear at sentencing.
One woman, an ex-assistant testifying under the pseudonym “Mia,” had planned to address the court but withdrew after defence filings attacked her credibility — a move prosecutors condemned as bullying.
Judge Arun Subramanian agreed, saying the tone of the defence letter had crossed a line.
“The tone of the defence’s letter was inappropriate,” he remarked.
Family and Faith Step Forward
While Combs’ accusers will not speak in person, the defence team said members of his family, including two or three of his children, along with Rev. Gary Johnson and two doctors who assessed the rapper, will provide statements.
The judge also noted that acquitted conduct — allegations not resulting in conviction — could still be considered when determining the sentence.
That included testimony about Combs’ alleged pattern of violence, which prosecutors argued showed a consistent disregard for others.
Judge Warns of Wider Conduct
Combs appeared dejected in court, slumping at the defence table as the judge made clear that wider conduct could influence sentencing.
At one stage, after prosecutors reminded the court that Combs had admitted violence, he was seen exhaling sharply and appearing to mouth an expletive.
His attorneys continue to argue for leniency, urging the court to impose only time served — the 14 months he has already spent behind bars.
Prison Time Looms
Prosecutors have instead called for an 11-year term, while federal sentencing guidelines indicate a recommended range of between six and seven years.
The judge retains discretion to impose a lighter or harsher penalty.
Slavik insisted the seriousness of the abuse required a lengthy prison term, saying Combs’ actions had lasting consequences for victims.
“His abuse was consistent, casual even, but life-altering for those on the bruised end of it,” she told the court.
She closed by urging Judge Subramanian to sentence Combs to 11 years and three months in prison.
“The defendant claims he moved on,” Slavik added. “But his victims don’t have the luxury of moving on so easily — they are still picking up the pieces.”
M10News Crime Desk | Contact: crime@m10news.com
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