Famous hip-hop artist Sean “Diddy” Combs was sentenced to four years and two months in prison for prostitution-related charges. A New York federal judge handed down the sentence on Friday. This ruling comes months after a July jury acquitted the 55-year-old music mogul of the most serious charges.
However, the jury found him guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Each count carried a maximum sentence of 10 years. Combs had pleaded not guilty to all charges and has been held at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Centre since his arrest in September 2024.
Prison term, fine, and supervised release
Combs has already served 13 months in custody. Still, he must serve over three more years in prison. In addition, the judge imposed a $500,000 fine and ordered five years of supervised release after his prison term.
Combs’ lawyers requested a sentence of no more than 14 months. If granted, he would have been released before the end of the year. On the other hand, federal prosecutors demanded a much longer term. They asked for at least 135 months (11 years and three months) and the $500,000 fine.
Prosecutors call Combs “unrepentant”
According to court filings, prosecutors described Combs as “unrepentant” and said his “history and characteristics demonstrate years of abuse and violence.” Meanwhile, the US probation department recommended five to seven years in prison.
Before sentencing, Combs addressed the court. He apologized to his former girlfriends, his family, and “all the victims of domestic violence.” He said, “No matter what anybody says, I know that I’m truly sorry for it all.”
Furthermore, he added: “Your honour, I know that the prosecution wants you to make an example of me. I just want you to think about making an example of what a person can do if they get another chance.”
Combs’ six adult children, his lawyers, and others spoke during the lengthy hearing. Meanwhile, Judge Arun Subramanian denied two bail requests and rejected motions to overturn the conviction.
The trial
The trial began on May 12. Prosecutors accused Combs of using his fame, money, and influence to coerce two former girlfriends into sexual encounters with male escorts, called “freak-offs” or “hotel nights.”
The women claimed that Combs orchestrated, filmed, and watched the encounters. Moreover, prosecutors alleged that over 20 years, Combs ran a criminal enterprise with the help of associates. The enterprise committed and covered up crimes including sex trafficking, kidnapping, forced labor, and drug distribution.
Over 30 witnesses testified. They included the two former girlfriends, former employees, male escorts, hotel staff, law enforcement officials, and public figures like rapper Kid Cudi and singer Dawn Richard. Notably, Combs did not testify.
Combs’ lawyers admitted past domestic violence but denied coercion or sex trafficking. They argued that all sexual activity was consensual and part of a “swingers lifestyle.”
Judge’s remarks
Before sentencing, Judge Subramanian said Combs “abused the power and control with women you professed to love.” He added, “You abused them physically, emotionally and psychologically.”
The judge emphasized that a “substantial sentence must be given” to “send a message to abusers and victims alike that abuse against women is met with real accountability.”