Judge sets hearing date for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ decision
Sean ‘Diddy‘ Combs recently asked Judge Arun Subramanian to acquit him of his two prostitution charges or grant a new trial. Following the request, a hearing date has been set regarding the decision.
The Bad Boy rapper was acquitted of two counts of sex trafficking and one count of racketeering conspiracy in July, but was found guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
Combs, who is currently incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, is facing a sentence of up to 20 years in prison on October 3rd, but is challenging the conviction.
His lawyers claim prosecutors incorrectly defined prostitution, using the modern meaning of “prostitution” regarding the Mann Act (formerly known as the White Slave Traffic Act), enforced in 1910.
They claim the court should have used the 1910 meaning of prostitution, when “a prostitute was a woman who had sex outside marriage,” while prosecutors used it to mean sex for hire.
According to ABC News, the US District Court judge scheduled a hearing on the motion for September 25th.
In response to Combs’ request, prosecutors said, “He transported escorts across state lines to engage in Freak Offs for pay. He directed the sexual activity of escorts and victims throughout Freak Offs for his own sexual gratification.
“He personally engaged in sexual activity during Freak Offs. There was more than a sufficient basis, viewing the evidence in the light most favourable to the Government, to support the counts of conviction.”
They added, “Escorts travelled to these Freak Offs with Ventura and hotel nights with Jane. The defendant discussed the escorts’ travel with Ventura and Jane. The travel arrangements were generally made at the defendant’s direction.”
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.