**Title: Sean 'Diddy' Combs Faces Sentencing in Abuse Case**

NEW YORK — Sean “Diddy” Combs appeared in court Friday for a sentencing hearing related to a criminal case involving allegations of abuse against women and male sex workers. Prosecutors are seeking an 11-year prison sentence for the 55-year-old hip-hop mogul, who was convicted in July of transporting individuals across state lines for sexual encounters. He was acquitted of more serious charges, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, which could have resulted in a life sentence.

During the hearing, Combs' defense team argued for his immediate release, citing his more than a year spent in pre-trial detention. They presented a unique case, showcasing an 11-minute video that highlighted Combs' philanthropic efforts, career achievements, and family life. The video included moments with his children, and at one point, Combs was seen crying as he covered his face with his hand.

Prosecutor Christy Slavik urged U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian to impose a significant sentence, stating that failing to do so would overlook years of violence. "It’s a case about a man who did horrible things to real people to satisfy his own sexual gratification," Slavik said. She criticized Combs for allegedly scheduling a speaking engagement in Miami, calling it "the height of hubris."

Several of Combs' children spoke in court, pleading for leniency. His son Justin described his father as a superhero and noted that jail had helped him overcome substance abuse. Daughters Chance and D’Lila expressed their fears of losing their father, especially after the death of their mother, Kim Porter, in 2018. D’Lila, visibly emotional, asked the judge for a chance for their family to heal and move forward.

Judge Subramanian has previously denied bail for Combs and indicated that he is unlikely to be released soon. He emphasized that the acquittals do not erase the underlying conduct, including violence and coercion. Combs was convicted under the Mann Act, which prohibits transporting individuals for prostitution.

Defense attorney Jason Driscoll argued that the Mann Act was misapplied in this case. Another attorney, Nicole Westmoreland, became emotional while discussing Combs' impact on her life, stating, "Mr. Combs is not larger than life. He’s a human being. And he’s made some mistakes."

Outside the courthouse, media and onlookers gathered, reminiscent of the scenes during Combs' trial. Testimony during the trial included accounts from women who described being abused and coerced by Combs. Former girlfriend Casandra “Cassie” Ventura testified that Combs forced her into degrading sexual situations during their decade-long relationship. Another woman, known as “Jane,” recounted being pressured into sexual acts while Combs watched.

One accuser, a former assistant referred to as “Mia,” withdrew from speaking in court after defense objections. She has accused Combs of raping her in 2010 and requested a sentence that reflects the ongoing danger he poses.

In a letter to the judge, Combs stated, "The old me died in jail and a new version of me was reborn," pledging to never commit another crime. Cassie, in her own letter, described him as an abuser who would always be "the same cruel, power-hungry, manipulative man."

Combs' lawyers maintain that the sexual encounters were consensual and argue that his time in jail has already served as punishment, fostering his sobriety and remorse. At a recent hearing, Combs told his family he was "getting closer to going home."