A federal judge in Manhattan has sentenced music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs to 50 months in prison following his conviction on charges related to prostitution. The sentence was handed down on Friday after a lengthy hearing.
Judge Arun Subramanian delivered the ruling, stating that Combs had used his influence and resources to abuse others over a prolonged period. “You abused them, physically, emotionally and psychologically,” the judge said, emphasizing the need for a meaningful sentence to protect the public.
The sentence concludes a high-profile legal battle that began with Combs’s arrest in September 2024. He was ultimately convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, while being acquitted of more severe charges, including racketeering and trafficking conspiracy, which had carried the possibility of a life sentence.
Prosecutors had sought a sentence exceeding 11 years, arguing that Combs showed no remorse and that his actions involved violence and coercion, leaving his victims in fear. In contrast, the defense requested a maximum of 14 months, which, with time already served, would have led to his near-immediate release. The court’s final decision fell between these requests, influenced by a probation office recommendation of five to seven years.
An emotional letter from Combs’s former partner, Cassie Ventura, was submitted to the court, urging the judge to impose a sentence that would allow her to live without fear of retaliation for her testimony.
With this sentence, Combs is set to remain incarcerated for more than four years, marking a significant fall from grace for the once-dominant figure in the music industry.
