Sean “Diddy” Combs did not take the stand during his high-profile trial, but the embattled music executive is planning on breaking his silence during his sentencing on Friday, October 3.
Per TMZ, Combs’ attorney, Teny Geragos, stated in court documents that the “sentencing proceeding holds significant importance for Mr. Combs.” Geragos also said that Combs “wishes to appear before the Court, address Your Honor, and allocute in the most dignified and respectful fashion possible.”
Combs’ legal team further wants Judge Arun Subramanian to approve of Combs to appear before the court in street clothes, not a jail jumpsuit. Combs comments on Friday will mark the first time he addresses the court about the charges brought against him. It also grants him the opportunity to update the judge on the rehabilitation programs he took up during his detention.
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In July, TMZ reported that Combs was undergoing programs for drug use and domestic violence while he awaits his sentencing. Combs enrolled in the STOP Program, which is a prison course aimed at tackling sexual assault as well as domestic and dating violence. It was also reported that Combs was undergoing therapy for drug abuse.
READ ALSO: Prosecutors pushing for Diddy to be handed 11-year sentence
As previously reported by Face2Face Africa, Combs, who is still in custody, was arrested by federal agents on September 16 last year and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs has, however, maintained his innocence.
But on July 2, a jury convicted Combs of two counts of Mann Act violations for transporting male escorts and former girlfriends Cassie Ventura and “Jane” for sex. He was also facing life in prison if convicted of the more grievous sex trafficking and racketeering charges, but he was ultimately acquitted by the jury.
Despite his acquittal, Judge Subramanian, on July 2, ruled that Combs remain in custody ahead of his sentencing. On Monday, September 22, Combs’ attorneys asked the judge to sentence him to no more than 14 months, and that should include his time served behind bars.
But prosecutors, in a new court filing, are urging the judge to sentence Combs to “at least 135 months” in prison and also fine him $500,000, TMZ reported. The Bad Boy Records founder could be handed a maximum sentence of 20 years, so his statement to the court could play a key role in Judge Subramanian’s decision.
READ ALSO: Diddy’s fellow inmates support him in letters sent to judge ahead of sentencing [Read]
