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Combs, 55, is scheduled to be sentenced next week in Manhattan federal court for his conviction on two counts alleging that he arranged interstate travel for people engaged in prostitution.

Defense attorney Alexandra Shapiro urged the judge to toss out two violations of the that resulted in conviction, saying the “infamous law� had “racist and sexist origins� that are “well documented and beyond dispute.� The jury him of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.

“The whole history of the statute is really, I would submit, an embarrassment to the United States of America,� she said.

Prior to trial, the judge declined to throw out charges and he sounded skeptical at times as Shapiro pressed her arguments that Combs was improperly convicted of the charges.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik said the prosecution against Combs illustrated the necessity of fighting prostitution because of the violence, drugs and sexual diseases that often accompany it.

Prosecutors said Combs paid for and arranged the drug-fueled sexual marathon performances between male sex workers and his girlfriends, some of whom testified about being beaten, kicked and choked by Combs.

Shapiro argued that Combs cannot be held responsible for financing and helping to arrange the transportation domestically and internationally for elaborate sex performances that he frequently filmed over a 15-year period.

Slavik argued that the jury verdict should stand, saying it was in the public interest to prevent prostitution, particularly when it involves the kind of violence and drugs that occurred when Combs was involved.

As he entered the courtroom, waved to his supporters and touched his heart before taking his seat among several lawyers. He did not speak during the hearing except to greet the judge.

At the end of the hearing, Combs blew kisses to his family, which included his mother, three daughters and three sons.

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

He also told them: “I've got some big plans for us.�

Subramanian has denied bail for the Bad Boy Records founder after he was in July.

Combs will have been jailed for nearly 13 months when he is sentenced .

His lawyers argued in court papers submitted this week that he should be sentenced to no more than 14 months in prison. With credit for good behavior, that would mean he would be released immediately.

Prosecutors have said they believe he should spend at least several more years behind bars, although they won't submit their sentencing recommendations to the judge until next week.

The judge has signaled that he, too, is leaning toward a substantial amount of prison time, twice since the jury returned its verdict, citing Combs' history of violence.