Diddy’s Legal Team Argues Prostitution Charge Misapplied Ahead of Sentencing
NEW YORK - With sentencing looming on october 3rd, Sean “Diddy” Combs‘ attorneys are making a last-minute push to overturn prostitution-related charges in his federal case, arguing the charges should be limited to pimping. The effort follows the dismissal of more serious charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, stemming from a RICO trial earlier this year.
Attorney Alexandra Shapiro argued in a New York federal courtroom on Thursday, September 25th, that the prostitution statute should “only be applied to pimping,” according to ABC News. Shapiro further contended that Combs’ conviction should be overturned as “prostitution does not include commercial voyeurism.”
Federal prosecutors countered that combs was not simply a “voyeur” but exhibited a pattern of violence. Lead prosecutor Christy Slavik referenced footage of Combs physically assaulting his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, stating, “Ms. Ventura was getting punched in the face.” Slavik emphasized the importance of regulating prostitution to “discourage violence against women.”
The legal battle unfolds after Ventura filed a lawsuit on November 16, 2023, alleging physical abuse, sex trafficking, and rape. The suit was settled for $20,000,000 just one day later, prompting a wave of subsequent civil lawsuits. Combs was arrested and indicted by the Southern District of New York in September 2024 on charges of racketeering, sex trafficking by force, and transportation for purposes of prostitution.
judge Arun Subramanian did not issue an immediate ruling following the arguments but indicated a decision would be forthcoming.
