Diddy’s Lawyers Make Desperate Bid To Dismiss Prostitution Charges

On Thursday (Sept.25), in a New York federal courtroom, Diddy’s attorney, Alexandra Shapiro, claimed prostitution should “only be applied to pimping.” Back in July, following his highly publicized RICO trial, Diddy’s more serious charges—which included sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy— were dismissed. Now his lawyers are fighting to overturn the prostitution-related charges in his case. The move comes only a week before his sentencing, which is set to take place on Friday, Oct.3.

ABC News reports that Shapiro argued that his conviction should be overturned because “prostitution does not include commercial voyeurism.” On the other hand, federal prosecutors claim Diddy (real name Sean Combs) was more than a “voyer” and that he had a propensity for violence.

“Regulating prostitution is important because it can include discouraging violence against women,” Said federal prosecutors

Lead prosecutor Christy Slavik referenced the jaw-dropping footage of Combs physically assaulting his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. “Ms. Ventura was getting punched in the face,” Slavik said. “Regulating prostitution is important because it can include discouraging violence against women.” Despite strong arguments from both parties, Judge Arun Subramanian wasn’t able to offer an immediate ruling on the matter. That said, he did note that they wouldn’t have to wait too long for his answer.

On Nov. 16, 2023, Combs’ ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, filed a lawsuit that accused him of physical abuse, sex trafficking, and rape. Social media was set ablaze following the news that the pair settled for $20,000,000 just one day later. Not long after, a bevy of other civil lawsuits followed. By September 2024, Diddy had been arrested and indicted by the Southern District of New York. At the time, he was facing charges of racketeering, sex trafficking by force, and transportation for purposes of prostitution.