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Music impresario Sean “Diddy” Combs was sentenced today to 50 months (4 years and 2 months) behind bars, following his conviction on two federal counts related to transporting individuals for prostitution.
In the dramatic courtroom hearing, Combs sobbed and issued an emotional apology, telling the judge: “I’ve been humbled and broken to my core.” He also expressed regret for his past mistakes and acknowledged the seriousness of the offenses.
The sentencing comes after a lengthy trial in Manhattan that saw jurors acquit Combs on the most serious charges of racketeering and sex trafficking, but find him guilty on two counts of transportation in connection with prostitution.
Prosecutors initially sought more than 11 years in prison, citing evidence of coercion, abuse, and violent behaviour during what were known as "freak-offs", drug-fuelled sexual events involving escort participants. The defence, by contrast, requested a sentence of just 14 months, pointing to time already served and Combs’ attempts at rehabilitation.
Judge Arun Subramanian opted for a middle path: the 50-month sentence, plus credit for time already spent in custody (around 12 months), meaning Combs may serve roughly three additional years behind bars. He was also fined $500,000 and will face 5 years of supervised release upon his release.
During the sentencing, victims and public voices were visibly acknowledged. The judge told witnesses, “We heard you,” in reference to the abuse allegations brought forward by former girlfriend Cassie Ventura and another accuser referred to as “Jane.” Ventura’s cooperation in the trial was a key element; in a letter before sentencing, she warned of ongoing fear and the psychological trauma she continues to endure.
Combs’ children also addressed the court, asking for leniency and emphasising his changed outlook. The defence presented a video showing Combs’ philanthropic efforts, community work, and interactions with his children.
Legal experts consider the sentence a compromise, more severe than typical for a prostitution case, but lighter than what prosecutors had hoped for, due to the jury’s acquittals on more serious counts. The defence has already announced plans to appeal, arguing that the judge overstepped by effectively acting as a 13th juror by weighing testimony the jury rejected.
Combs has been held since his arrest in September 2024 in Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Centre. With credit for time served, his expected release is in late 2028, assuming full compliance with supervised release rules.
This case marks one of the highest-profile convictions of a major music industry figure in recent history, and it underscores the legal and social consequences of abuse and exploitation, even for those long accustomed to celebrity status.
