Just days before his sentencing, Sean “Diddy” Combs was dealt another blow in federal court. His request for a new trial was denied by Judge Arun Subramanian, who also rejected his legal team’s push for an acquittal. The judge didn’t mince words in his ruling, writing that the prosecution presented “overwhelming evidence” to support Diddy’s conviction.

Combs, one of the most recognizable names in the music industry, was convicted on two federal counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. While he was acquitted of the more serious racketeering and sex trafficking charges, the court still found enough to potentially put him behind bars for up to 20 years—10 years for each count.

The decision comes after weeks of back-and-forth between prosecutors and Combs’ defense team. The prosecution argued that Diddy not only committed serious federal crimes but has shown no remorse. In their sentencing recommendation, they described him as “unrepentant,” citing behavior during and after the trial that, in their view, reinforced the need for a “substantial” prison term.

“Incredibly, while the defendant conceded his acts of violence and abuse throughout trial, he now argues that his victims should shoulder the blame,” prosecutors wrote in the court filing.

That statement points to what many are calling one of the more surprising turns in the case: a legal strategy that appeared to shift responsibility away from Combs and onto his alleged victims. The argument didn’t seem to sit well with the court—or with the public.

Meanwhile, Combs’ legal team countered with their own sentencing proposal, asking for just 14 months. Their reasoning? The music mogul has already served 13 of those months and, they argue, has “suffered physically and mentally.” According to the defense, extended incarceration would serve “no positive goal.”

Their statement also emphasized Combs’ intentions post-release, claiming he plans to focus on rebuilding his life, mending relationships, and giving back to his community.

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But not everyone is convinced.

Cassie Ventura, Combs’ ex-girlfriend and one of several witnesses who testified during the eight-week trial, submitted a powerful letter to the judge ahead of sentencing. In it, she painted a picture of ongoing trauma, fear, and emotional damage. Ventura says she still suffers from nightmares and flashbacks related to her time with Combs.

“I have in fact moved my family out of the New York area and am keeping as private and quiet as I possibly can because I am so scared that if he walks free, his first actions will be swift retribution towards me and others who spoke up,” Ventura wrote.

She’s not alone. Other witnesses echoed her concerns, creating a tense backdrop to the upcoming sentencing hearing, now just hours away.

Judge Subramanian pushed back on the idea that jury bias had played a role in the verdict. Combs’ attorneys had argued that evidence related to racketeering and sex trafficking unfairly influenced the jury’s decision. The judge disagreed, pointing out that the jury actually declined to convict on those charges—proof, he said, that they kept their focus where it belonged.

“Had the prejudice indeed been so great,” the judge wrote, “one would expect a jury to convict on the most relevant counts before it could spill over and infect the others.”

The sentencing is set for October 3. With public attention growing and emotions running high on both sides, it’s clear the outcome will be closely watched. The difference between 14 months and more than a decade behind bars could all come down to what happens in that courtroom.