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Hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is bracing for a pivotal moment as he heads toward sentencing following his highly publicized trial. After months of testimony and intense public scrutiny, Diddy now faces the reality of a judge’s decision that could reshape his career and personal life. Supporters and critics alike are watching closely, with industry insiders speculating about the outcome. Recently, his legal team fought for the dismissal of two Mann Act violations. Here’s what Diddy reportedly told his family during the hearing.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs told his family he has ‘big plans’ for them during a recent hearing before his sentencing

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On Sept. 25, 2025, Sean “Diddy” Combs returned to a Manhattan federal courtroom for a post-trial hearing in which his legal team sought to overturn his conviction on two prostitution-related counts, even as sentencing looms. The hearing centered on arguments that the convictions should be vacated or thrown out.

Diddy’s attorneys urged the court to consider First Amendment protections, asserting that he did not personally engage in the sexual acts or financially profit from them, but rather filmed them for private consumption. In tandem, they highlighted Diddy’s time in detention, claiming that he lived in “inhumane” conditions in the Metropolitan Detention Center and should factor into any ruling or eventual sentence, according to Fox News. The defense proposed a sentence of no more than 14 months, which, given time already served, could amount to immediate release.

According to WKBW-TV, defense attorney Alexandra Shapiro also suggested that the Mann Act had “racist and sexist origins” that are “well documented and beyond dispute.”

Diddy didn’t speak during the hearing except to greet the judge. He then reportedly blew kisses to his family members who attended, which included his three sons and three daughters.

“Thank you all for coming. I love you all so much,” Diddy reportedly said. “Every hour, every day, is me getting closer to going home.”

“I’ve got some big plans for us,” he continued.

Judge Arun Subramanian questioned why the music mogul wanted to appear in civilian clothing for his sentencing

Sean “Diddy” Combs has formally asked the court to let him appear in civilian attire at his Oct. 3 sentencing, rather than wearing standard prison clothing. In a recent order, Judge Arun Subramanian declined a broader request for non-uniform clothing at the Sept. 25 hearing, according to AllHipHop. The judge said the defense had not sufficiently justified why Diddy should have that accommodation.

Combs’ lawyers have since asked that he be allowed a limited wardrobe. The wardrobe includes two button-down shirts, two pairs of pants, two sweaters, and a pair of laceless shoes for the sentencing proceeding.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ kids remain hopeful ahead of sentencing

In his July 2025 verdict, Sean “Diddy” Combs was acquitted of the most serious counts leveled against him. These included racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion. The charges, if upheld, could have resulted in significantly harsher penalties.

Diddy’s family appeared happy after his trial. While they still faced their father’s sentencing, they remained hopeful that he could come back home to them sooner rather than later. Diddy’s son, Christian “King” Combs, previously told Billboard that he and his siblings had “good expectations” for what was to come.

“I feel good,” Christian said. “The whole family. We feel good. We just, you know, humbly, just waiting for the sentencing and waiting for pops to come home. We got good expectations. My new tape, Never Stop, is out right now. It’s going crazy. I’m happy to be here with Billboard. Thank y’all for having me.”

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