Diddy Denied Bail Again as Judge Confirms October Sentencing for Federal Prostitution Convictions

Sean "Diddy" Combs returned to federal court July 8 requesting accelerated sentencing after his July 2 conviction on two charges of transporting for prostitution. Refusing his attorneys' bid to accelerate the process on the basis of "exceptional circumstances" including the death of his former lover Kim Porter and impact on their children, Judge Arun Subramanian ordered that sentencing will proceed as originally scheduled on Oct. 3.

Combs was acquitted of the serious racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges, and thus the court denied his bail request on reasons of public safety and a violent past. Prosecutors maintained that Combs' status and wealth shouldn't place him above regular legal process, and they are seeking a sentence of 51 to 63 months in prison. His lawyers are arguing for a much shorter term of 21 to 27 months.

The courtroom was electric as Combs, looking obviously shaken, addressed his family after the verdict, vowing to continue. His lawyers still insist on innocence and are going to continue to contest the charges, despite the partial conviction. The judge also rejected motions to bypass the pre-sentence report process, which consists of a mandatory interview with probation officials.

With sentencing in October, Combs is being kept in jail at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center. The case remains in the national spotlight, not only because of its headline-grabbing defendant, but also because of the larger questions of celebrity responsibility in the justice system.