Judge Denies Diddy’s New Trial; Prosecutors Seek 135 Months

U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian denied Sean “Diddy” Combs’ motions for a new trial and to toss his convictions, finding the government presented overwhelming evidence and that the jury’s split verdict did not show spillover prejudice. In July a jury convicted Combs on two counts of transporting people to engage in prostitution and acquitted him of sex‑trafficking and racketeering charges. Federal prosecutors on Sept. 30 asked for 135 months (11 years, 3 months) in prison and a $500,000 fine, saying Combs engaged in a decade‑long pattern of coercion and remains unrepentant; his defense is seeking about 14 months with credit for time served and plans to appeal. Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura and several other alleged victims and former employees submitted victim‑impact letters urging a substantial sentence. Combs has spent roughly a year in custody since his indictment, and sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 3.