A US judge has denied Sean ‘Diddy Combs’ request to overturn his felony prostitution related conviction, with prosecutors recommending a sentence of over 11 years in prison.

US District Judge Arun Subramanian in Manhattan cited “overwhelming evidence” of Combs’ guilt regarding his treatment of two former girlfriends, Casandra Ventura and a woman referred to as Jane.

Prosecutors alleged that Combs facilitated the travel of male prostitutes for drug-fueled sexual performances known as “Freak Offs” while he observed and recorded the encounters.

Both women testified that Combs physically assaulted them and threatened to withdraw financial support if they resisted.

“The government proved its case many times over”, Judge Subramanian stated.

He dismissed claims that evidence from the acquitted racketeering and sex trafficking charges tainted the prostitution case.

Combs was convicted by a Manhattan jury on July 2 after an eight-week trial, having pleaded not guilty. He plans to appeal the conviction.

Prosecutors are set to recommend a sentence of 11-1/4 years at the October 3 hearing, while defence attorneys are seeking a maximum of 14 months, which could lead to Combs’ release this year due to time served since his September 16, 2024, arrest.

In court, prosecutors highlighted evidence of Combs’ abusive behaviour and manipulation of his girlfriends, asserting that he used violence and drugs to control them.

Ventura, known as Cassie, described in a letter to the judge how Combs’ actions trapped her into engaging in sexual acts from a young age.

Judge Subramanian also rejected arguments that Combs lacked a financial motive for the prostitution charges and affirmed that his conduct fell within the scope of the Mann Act, stating that it does not infringe on Combs’ First Amendment rights.

He concluded that Combs’ actions were at the core of the Act’s prohibitions.