U.S. prosecutors have asked a New York court to give hip-hop star Sean “Diddy” Combs a long prison sentence, saying his actions left several women “broken and beaten.”
The request was made in a filing late Monday, ahead of Combs’ sentencing on October 3. Prosecutors urged Judge Arun Subramanian not to grant him any leniency, rejecting his plea for a shorter 14-month term.
Combs, 55, was found guilty in July on two prostitution-related charges under the Mann Act. He was cleared of more serious racketeering and sex trafficking charges, which could have led to life in prison.
Prosecutors said his crimes lasted over 15 years, involved many women, and crossed international borders. They referred to testimonies from his former partner, Cassie Ventura, and another woman identified as Jane.
They also want him to pay a $500,000 fine, arguing that his wealth gave him the power to commit the crimes.
Combs has asked for mercy, saying he has been sober since his arrest and has already suffered from the collapse of his music career. His 84-year-old mother also wrote to the judge, asking to spend her final years with her son.
His lawyers argue he has faced enough punishment after more than a year in one of the country’s toughest jails. But prosecutors say only a long sentence will send a strong message that fame and money cannot protect abusers.
The founder of Bad Boy Records will be sentenced on Friday.
