Diddy sentencing begins as rapper faces up to 20 years behind bars

Sean “Diddy” Combs appeared in court Friday, months after he was convicted on federal prostitution charges.

The now gray-haired rapper walked into court wearing a white shirt with a cream sweater over it. Diddy hugged all of his lawyers before giving a lengthy handshake to his lead attorney, Marc Agnifilo. The rapper then gestured to his family and put on his glasses.

The hearing began with the prosecution noting Diddy’s victim, “Mia,” had chosen not to give a victim impact statement despite being granted permission, partly due to a defense letter submitted to court. Judge Arun Subramanian noted the tone of the defense’s letter was inappropriate and should not be done again.

The federal judge rejected Diddy’s bid to exclude acquitted conduct from consideration at sentencing — a decision that opens the door to Cassie Ventura’s allegations being factored into his sentence.

DIDDY PLANNING UNCONVENTIONAL MOVE IN COURT AHEAD OF SENTENCING FOR PROSTITUTION CHARGES

Diddy is expected to speak in open court before his sentence is handed down. Subramanian approved the disgraced music mogul’s request to wear non-prison clothing for the somber occasion.

Diddy could spend a maximum of 20 years behind bars, 10 years for each count he was convicted of. The prosecution recommended 135 months (just over 11 years) for his sentencing.

Diddy’s family arrived in court ahead of the sentencing. The rapper’s mom, Janice Combs, arrived first around 9:00am ET. His kids, Quincy, the twins Jesse and D’Lila, Christian and Justin, all arrived around 9:45am. His children are expecting to speak on behalf of their father during the sentencing hearing.

DIDDY’S LAST-DITCH LEGAL MOVES SHUT DOWN BY JUDGE DAYS BEFORE SENTENCING

Ahead of court Friday, Diddy’s legal team released a video to be played in court. The over 11-minute video features clips of the rapper with his kids when they were young, as well as current videos where his children tell their dad they love him. 

WATCH: DIDDY AND FAMILY MAKE COURTROOM PLEA FOR FREEDOM AHEAD OF SENTENCING

A jury convicted Diddy on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution on July 2. The “I’ll Be Missing You” rapper was acquitted of his most serious charges of racketeering and sex trafficking.

The prosecution claimed Diddy deserves a “substantial” prison sentence because the rapper is “unrepentant” in the sentencing recommendation filed Tuesday.

“Incredibly, while the defendant conceded his acts of violence and abuse throughout trial, he now argues that his victims should shoulder the blame,” the filing read.

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In the disgraced music mogul’s demand for prison release, Diddy’s lawyers claimed he has faced “inhumane” living conditions at MDC Brooklyn. His legal team proposed a 14-month sentence ahead of his Oct. 3 hearing for federal charges of transportation to engage in prostitution. The “I Need A Girl” rapper has already spent 13 months behind bars.

Diddy’s legal team claimed the musician had been “sufficiently punished” for his crimes.

“Mr. Combs has suffered physically and mentally, and continued incarceration serves no positive goal. Courts do not simply punish, but must restore and rehabilitate with a goal to returning the convicted person to their community as soon as practicable,” the sentencing memorandum, obtained by Fox News Digital, stated. “Upon release, Mr. Combs fully intends to abide by every order of this Court and to renew and repair relationships that have been damaged, in a healthy, positive, and lawful manner. After embarking on this journey, Mr. Combs will devote attention to his family and community and to creating new initiatives and opportunities for others.”

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Diddy has been behind bars since his arrest on Sept. 16, 2024. He has requested bail and been denied multiple times.

According to his lawyers, Diddy has been subjected to “constant suicide watch” while behind bars. Other instances of the alleged “inhumane” conditions the rapper has been subjected to include limited access to clean water, food with maggots in it, no physical therapy, lack of physical exercise and no functioning washing machine or dryer.

Days before Diddy was set to appear in court for his sentencing, Judge Subramanian rejected the rapper’s last-ditch request for a new trial and demand for a full acquittal. The federal judge said the prosecution provided “overwhelming evidence” of Diddy’s guilt on the charges of transportation to engage in prostitution.

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