Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ legal team has filed a comprehensive 380-page memorandum advocating for a maximum prison sentence of 14 months following his conviction for interstate transportation of consenting adults for the purpose of prostitution. In their filing submitted on September 23, 2025, the attorneys emphasized the need for leniency and urged the court to allow Combs to return home to his family after serving time since his arrest over a year ago in New York.
The defense argues that the 14-month sentence would effectively equate to time served, considering Combs’ current period of incarceration. They assert that the sentencing should focus solely on the specific charges for which he was convicted, explicitly distancing the case from more severe allegations of sex trafficking and racketeering. The attorneys stated that any attempt to impose a harsher sentence based on unproven claims would represent a miscarriage of justice.
In the memorandum, Combs’ defense team highlighted the fact that he was acquitted of the more serious charges, which have drawn considerable media attention during the legal proceedings. They characterized the prosecution’s anticipated sentencing recommendations, speculated to be around five years, as “draconian” and criticized the government’s approach as lacking perspective. The legal team invoked imagery from literature, comparing the prosecution’s stance to the Queen of Hearts from *Alice in Wonderland*.
The filing is more than just a legal argument; it is a multifaceted appeal for leniency that incorporates personal testimonials from individuals close to Combs. Letters from his mother, children, friends, and business associates aim to present a more nuanced view of the music mogul’s character and his contributions to the community.
In response to the prosecution’s likely arguments for a more severe sentence, the defense emphasized that Combs did not financially benefit from the alleged prostitution-related crimes. They described the instances involving Cassie Ventura, who testified under the pseudonym “Jane,” and male escorts as involving “fully competent adult men and women” who voluntarily engaged in consensual acts. This assertion directly contradicts the allegations of coercion that have been prevalent in media coverage.
Additionally, the defense team painted a portrait of Combs as “an extraordinary person” who has made significant contributions throughout his life. They stressed his desire to reunite with his family, juxtaposing this image with the portrayal presented by prosecutors, who have characterized him as a violent and controlling figure.
The memorandum also outlines the personal losses Combs has faced, including the deaths of his father, best friend Christopher Wallace (Notorious B.I.G.), the mother of his children Kim Porter, and his mentor Andre Harrell. According to the defense, these tragedies, coupled with struggles related to substance abuse and mental health, should be taken into account during sentencing. They argued that Combs has only begun to address these issues during his time in custody.
As the case moves forward, the legal community and observers are keenly watching how the court will respond to the defense’s request for leniency amid the backdrop of public scrutiny and the prosecution’s push for a more substantial penalty.
