Rapper and music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was sentenced to more than four years in prison after his conviction on two counts of transporting women for prostitution, a judge announced late Friday.
U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian said a tough sentence was necessary “to send a clear message to offenders and victims alike that the assault of women will be met with real accountability.” He noted that Combs faced “hard months away from his family” but added that the artist “still has a future after release.”
In addition to the prison term, Subramanian imposed the maximum $500,000 fine, citing Combs’ vast resources, which he said “enabled his crimes.”
The ruling followed sharp disagreement between prosecutors and defense attorneys. Combs’ lawyers sought no more than 14 months, including time served, while prosecutors demanded more than 11 years. A jury in July convicted him on two counts of transporting women for prostitution but acquitted him of more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, which could have carried a life sentence.
The judge rejected defense efforts to portray the incidents as consensual encounters, saying Combs “physically, emotionally and psychologically harmed his victims” through power and control. He pointed to testimony from singer Cassie Ventura and another woman, adding: “A history of good work cannot erase the harm to women.”
Subramanian acknowledged Combs’ iconic career and rise from a difficult childhood, but stressed that his cultural contributions could not outweigh the gravity of his crimes.
Addressing Combs directly after the sentencing, the judge said he knew the musician was in “a dark place” but assured him there was “light at the end of the tunnel.” He cited hundreds of letters submitted to the court showing “a universe of people who love you” and urged Combs to lean on them as he had supported them in the past.
Ventura’s attorney welcomed the ruling, saying: “The punishment reflects the seriousness of the offenses, but it cannot erase the trauma.” He said Ventura would continue her healing journey with the support of family and friends.
Combs’ five children and his mother were present in court. His lawyer, Tony Geragos, told the judge that Combs had lost many loved ones, including his father, longtime partner Kim Porter, and close friend Christopher “Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace. Geragos said Combs had long struggled with addiction, anger and anxiety but only sought professional treatment after his arrest last year.
During the proceedings, defense attorneys played a 12-minute video showing Combs with his children, mourning Porter, and giving inspirational speeches. According to CNN, Combs wept during the screening.
One former assistant, identified as “Mia,” who testified that Combs raped her multiple times, canceled her planned courtroom appearance at the last minute. Prosecutors said she pulled out after receiving a letter from Combs’ defense team that they described as “bullying.” The judge agreed, calling the letter “inappropriate” and ordering the defense not to repeat it.
Four of Combs’ five children spoke in his defense. His daughter Jessie told the judge tearfully: “We know he’s not perfect and that he’s made many mistakes. We’re not here to ask forgiveness for them. But, Your Honor, he is still our father, and we still need him in our lives.”
Prosecutors argued that Combs used his money and influence to abuse Ventura and another woman identified as “Jane,” forcing them into multi-day sex parties known as “Freak-Offs.” The women were compelled to take part in group sex with sex workers, sometimes filmed by Combs.
Ventura, who had an 11-year relationship with Combs, testified to severe abuse, corroborated by witness accounts and a 2016 hotel surveillance video showing Combs kicking and beating her while she was on the floor.
Hours before sentencing, Combs sent a letter to the court apologizing. “I want to say how deeply sorry I am for the hurt and pain I caused others,” he wrote. “I take full responsibility for my past mistakes. These have been the hardest two years of my life, and I have no one to blame but myself. Words alone cannot erase the pain of the past.”
Since Combs’ arrest in September 2024, dozens more allegations have surfaced, including claims of rape, exploitation, and abuse by former employees, sex workers, and others. In October, the Washington Post reported that lawyers were preparing more than 120 lawsuits against Combs, including 25 from people who said they were minors when he abused them.