Sean “Diddy” Combs Receives 4-Year Federal Sentence

Sean “Diddy” Combs, the 55-year-old music mogul and entrepreneur, has been sentenced to 50 months — just over four years — in federal prison following his conviction for transporting women to engage in prostitution. The sentencing took place Friday in Manhattan federal court before U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, who said a strong sentence was necessary to “send a message” about accountability and justice for victims of sexual exploitation.

Combs’s conviction stemmed from a July trial in which a jury found him guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. The charges were connected to incidents involving his former girlfriend Cassie Ventura and another woman who testified under the pseudonym “Jane.”

Federal prosecutors had requested a sentence of more than 11 years in prison and a $500,000 fine, arguing that Combs used his power and wealth to exploit women for years. His defense team, however, had pushed for a far lighter sentence of 14 months, citing his cooperation and claims of rehabilitation.

Judge Subramanian rejected both proposals, calling the prosecution’s request “not reasonable” but saying the defense’s suggestion “did not reflect the seriousness of the crimes.” The final sentence includes the maximum fine of $500,000 and five years of supervised release following his time in prison.

Combs, who has been held without bail at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his arrest in September 2024, will receive roughly 13 months of credit toward his sentence for time already served.

Judge Emphasizes Accountability

Before announcing the sentence, Judge Subramanian said the court was “not assured that if released, these crimes will not be committed again.” He noted that Combs assaulted “Jane” after he had already assaulted Ventura, which weighed heavily in the court’s decision.

“The court is not assured that if released, these crimes will not be committed again,” Subramanian said from the bench. “A substantial sentence is needed to send a message to abusers and victims alike that exploitation and violence against women is met with real accountability.”

In his remarks, the judge also addressed the women who came forward during the trial. “To Ms. Ventura and the other brave survivors that came forward, I want to say first: We heard you,” Subramanian said. “I am proud of you for coming to the court to tell the world what really happened.”

Combs Addresses the Court

When given the opportunity to speak, Combs expressed remorse for his actions, calling them “disgusting, shameful and sick.” He asked the judge for “mercy,” acknowledging the pain he caused to those involved. Reporters in the courtroom noted that Combs appeared subdued and showed little visible emotion as the sentence was read.

In his closing remarks, Judge Subramanian offered words of both admonition and hope. “Mr. Combs, you and your family — you are going to get through it,” he said. “There is a light at the end of the tunnel. You will have a chance to show your children and the world what real accountability, change, and healing can look like. I’m counting on you to make the most of your second chance.”

A Long Fall from Power

Once one of the most influential figures in the music industry, Combs’s fall from grace has been swift and highly public. Known for his success as a rapper, producer, and founder of Bad Boy Records, Combs built a multimillion-dollar empire that spanned fashion, entertainment, and liquor ventures.

But in recent years, his reputation has been overshadowed by a series of lawsuits and allegations of abuse and trafficking. The conviction and sentencing in this case mark a significant turning point in a legal saga that has captured national attention.

As Combs begins serving his sentence, questions remain about how his empire will function in his absence and what accountability will look like in the broader entertainment industry.

For now, the judge’s words at the close of sentencing echo the court’s final message: that even the most powerful are not immune to justice.