A federal judge in New York has sentenced Sean “Diddy” Combs to four years and two months in prison after he was convicted this summer of charges related to transportation for the purpose of prostitution. Diddy was sentenced to four years and two months in prison after his conviction this summer on federal prostitution-related charges and ordered to pay a $500,000 fine. The ruling came Friday after a months-long, high-profile trial.
In July, a jury found Diddy not guilty of the most serious charges, including conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and criminal conspiracy, but found him guilty of two counts of transporting persons to engage in prostitution. Each count carried a maximum sentence of up to ten years in prison.
Diddy, 55, has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his arrest in September 2024. Time spent in jail will be credited toward his sentence. He was also ordered to pay a $500,000 fine and will be on supervised release for five years.
Combs' lawyers had asked for a lighter sentence of no more than 14 months, arguing that he had shown remorse and was in the process of rehabilitation. Meanwhile, prosecutors had asked for a much harsher sentence of more than 11 years in prison, describing the artist as "incorrigible" and with "a long history of abuse and violence."
Before hearing the verdict, Combs addressed the court with an emotional statement, apologizing to his ex-girlfriends, family, victims of domestic violence and his community. He described his behavior as "disgraceful and sick," adding:
"I know I'm truly sorry for everything. I understand that the prosecution wants me to be an example, but I want to be an example of what a person can do when given a second chance."
Five of his lawyers, his six adult children and several other relatives spoke at the hearing. Judge Arun Subramanian earlier rejected two requests for bail and dismissed a request to overturn the trial court's decision.
During the trial, which began on May 12, federal prosecutors accused the Bad Boy Records founder of using his power, wealth and influence for more than two decades to force his ex-partners to attend sex parties with other men, which he organized, filmed and often personally attended. They described it as a pattern of abuse that included violence, threats and blackmail.
More than 30 people testified at the trial, including his ex-girlfriends Cassie Ventura and another woman who used the pseudonym "Jane," former employees, personal assistants, male escorts, hotel staff and public figures such as rapper Kid Cudi and singer Dawn Richard. Diddy did not testify in person.
Both women described in detail “hotel nights” or “freak-offs,” saying they were forced to participate through physical and psychological pressure. Ventura testified that during their 11-year relationship, Combs physically and emotionally abused her, and the jury was shown a 2016 video of him hitting her in a hotel hallway several times. “Jane” also recounted an episode of violence that left her with a head injury.
Combs' lawyers acknowledged that he had "moments of violence" but denied any form of coercion or sex trafficking, saying the relationships were consensual and part of a lifestyle.
Before the final verdict, Cassie Ventura asked the court through a statement to give a harsh sentence:
"I know that my participation in those acts was the result of force and manipulation. He must be held accountable for what he did to me and others."
Judge Subramanian said Diddy "abused his power and the women he claimed to love" and that "a severe sentence was needed to send a clear message that abuse of women brings real responsibility."
He publicly thanked the women who had dared to testify:
"We heard you. I'm proud that you told the world the truth."
After the verdict, Cassie Ventura's lawyer said the sentence "reflects the seriousness of the acts" and that her courage has inspired many other victims.
Lawyers representing other accusers announced that civil proceedings will continue against Diddy, who in addition to the criminal case faces more than 50 civil lawsuits for sexual abuse and inappropriate behavior, all of which he denies.
Source: The Guardian
