Sean “Diddy” Combs will remain behind bars until October 3, the date now officially set for his sentencing in the federal prostitution case that has rocked the music and entertainment world.
U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian confirmed the date on Tuesday, July 8, just days after Combs was found guilty on two counts of transporting male escorts across state lines for sex.
The sentencing hearing will take place more than a year after Diddy was taken into custody, and that time served will count toward whatever sentence he ultimately receives.
Although Combs faces a maximum sentence of 20 years — 10 years for each count — legal experts suggest the Bad Boy Records founder is unlikely to receive the maximum penalty.
The prosecution and defense remain at odds over what the federal sentencing guidelines actually call for. According to Diddy’s legal team, the starting range is 21 months, while federal prosecutors argue the range begins at 51 months.
The conviction stems from a sprawling investigation into alleged sex trafficking and abuse tied to Diddy’s inner circle, which has triggered lawsuits, public outcry, and renewed scrutiny of the music industry’s power structures.
While Diddy was acquitted of the more severe racketeering and trafficking charges, the jury unanimously found him guilty of violating the Mann Act by knowingly transporting individuals across state lines for illicit purposes.
Prosecutors argue the conviction represents a pattern of exploitative behavior, while Diddy’s defense maintains the acts were consensual and legally ambiguous. His legal team is expected to push for a reduced sentence, citing factors such as time served, cooperation, and lack of prior criminal history.
The October 3 sentencing hearing will not only determine how much longer Combs remains incarcerated, but could also impact his legacy, ongoing business interests, and several pending civil cases involving similar allegations.
Until then, Combs will continue to be held in federal custody without bail.
Timeline: The Federal Case That Led to Diddy’s Prostitution Conviction
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ conviction for transporting male escorts across state lines came after more than a year of explosive allegations, federal raids, and courtroom revelations.
Below is a timeline of key events that led to the hip-hop mogul’s federal conviction and upcoming sentencing on October 3.
November 2023 – Cassie Files Lawsuit
Singer and ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura files a bombshell civil lawsuit accusing Diddy of rape, abuse, and years of coercive control. The suit is settled in less than 24 hours, but it opens the floodgates for others to come forward.
December 2023 – Multiple Accusers Emerge
Within weeks, several individuals file civil lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct, drugging, and sex trafficking involving Diddy. Allegations range from physical assault to the use of hired escorts in orchestrated sex parties, referred to in court as “freak-offs.”
February 2024 – Federal Investigation Opens
The Department of Justice formally opens a federal investigation into Sean Combs. Grand jury subpoenas are issued, and investigators begin collecting evidence, including private flight records, hotel receipts, and electronic communications.
March 25, 2024 – Homeland Security Raids
Federal agents from Homeland Security Investigations raid Diddy’s homes in Los Angeles and Miami. Several electronic devices are seized. The raids are later cited as crucial in uncovering travel arrangements for male escorts.
May 2024 – Witnesses Cooperate
Several individuals formerly in Diddy’s inner circle begin cooperating with federal prosecutors. Among them is Clayton Howard, a male escort who later sues Diddy and Cassie. He claims he was flown across state lines and used in paid sex scenarios over a five-year period.
August 2024 – Grand Jury Indictment
A federal grand jury indicts Combs on four felony counts, including racketeering, sex trafficking, and two counts of violating the Mann Act — a law prohibiting the interstate transport of individuals for illegal sexual activity.
October 2024 – Pretrial Hearings Begin
Diddy’s legal team attempts to have evidence dismissed, arguing that the travel was consensual and the escorts were not coerced. The judge allows most evidence to proceed, citing credible testimony and digital records.
January 2025 – Trial Begins
The federal trial kicks off in New York. Over four weeks, prosecutors present testimony from former staff, escorts, and expert witnesses who claim Combs orchestrated an illegal sex network. Defense attorneys paint Diddy as a victim of false claims and opportunistic accusers.
June 2025 – Verdict Delivered
Diddy is found not guilty of the racketeering and sex trafficking charges. However, he is convicted on two counts of transporting male escorts across state lines for prostitution in violation of the Mann Act.
July 2025 – Sentencing Date Set
Judge Arun Subramanian schedules sentencing for October 3, 2025, with Combs to remain in custody until that date. Prosecutors are requesting a sentence starting at 51 months, while Diddy’s team argues for 21 months, pointing to his time served and lack of prior convictions.
