Judge Upholds Sean 'Diddy' Combs' Conviction in High-Profile Trial

A U.S. judge denied Sean 'Diddy' Combs' appeal to overturn his conviction on felony prostitution-related charges. Combs, found guilty of orchestrating encounters involving male escorts, faces 20 years in prison. He had claimed his recordings of such events were protected under the First Amendment as amateur pornography.

In a major legal development, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian denied hip-hop mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs' attempt to overturn his recent criminal conviction. Combs, who was found guilty on prostitution-related charges, faces a potential 20-year prison sentence under the felony charges.

The trial, which took place over two months, ended with jurors acquitting Combs of serious charges such as sex trafficking and racketeering. The focal point was the 'Freak Offs,' infamous gatherings where Combs allegedly paid male escorts to engage with his girlfriends, while he documented their activities.

The defense argued the recordings were a form of protected speech, but prosecutors stated Combs used these videos for coercion. Despite Combs' storied influence in hip-hop culture, the case brings to light troubling actions that now lead to his sentencing in October.

(With inputs from agencies.)