Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs wants to address court for first time at sentencing
Sean ‘Diddy‘ Combs will discover his future at his sentencing hearing on October 3rd. Ahead of the date, the rapper has requested permission from the judge to address the court.
In July, he was found guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, but was acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges.
In court documents obtained by The Independent, Combs asked to formally speak for the first time. He previously opted against taking the stand during his trial.
His attorney, Teny Geragos, said, “The sentencing proceeding holds significant importance for Mr Combs. He wishes to appear before the Court, address Your Honor, and allocute in the most dignified and respectful fashion possible.”
Geragos also requested that Combs wear non-prison clothes, which was granted. Judge Arun Subramanian said the rapper “is permitted to have one button-down shirt, one pair of pants, one sweater, and one pair of shoes without laces to wear to court.”
During his appearance in court last week, Combs told his family and friends, “Every day, every hour, I get closer to coming home. Your support means more than y’all know.”
Combs could face up to 20 years in prison. He’s requested a 14-month sentence, while prosecutors are pushing for 11 years.
The judge rejected his request for acquittal or a new trial on September 30th. In a filing, he said, “The government proved its case many times over. That by itself might be enough to dispose of Combs’ challenge.”
He continued, “Had the prejudice indeed been so great, one would expect a jury to convict on the most relevant counts before it could spill over and infect the others. A new trial is not warranted.”
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.