Hip Hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs was sentenced to 50 months, or four years and two months, in prison by U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian in Manhattan on Friday, for two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution under the Mann Act. He was acquitted of more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, which could have led to a life sentence. The sentence includes a $500,000 fine and five years of supervised release.
Combs was convicted in July 2025 after a seven-week trial on two counts of transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution, specifically related to drug-fueled sexual events known as "freak offs" involving his former girlfriends, R&B singer Cassie Ventura and a woman identified as "Jane." Each count carried a maximum sentence of 10 years.
During the sentencing hearing, Combs addressed the court for the first time, apologizing for his actions and calling them "disgusting, shameful and sick." He expressed deep remorse to the victims, his seven children, and his mother, stating he was "humbled and broken to my core" and that he "lost my way" due to drugs and excess.
Combs' defense attorneys, including Brian Steel and Marc Agnifilo, argued the sentence was "un-American" and that the judge improperly considered conduct the jury did not find him guilty of, such as sex trafficking and racketeering, in determining the sentence. They requested a sentence of no more than 14 months, citing time served.
Prosecutors had sought a sentence of at least 11 years and 3 months, arguing Combs was unrepentant and posed a continued risk. Judge Subramanian rejected the defense's arguments, stating that Combs' history of abuse and the severity of the crimes warranted a substantial sentence to send a message about accountability for abuse against women.
The judge emphasized that Combs' past achievements and family devotion did not erase the harm he caused, noting he abused his power over women he professed to love. He also highlighted the trauma experienced by the victims, particularly Cassie Ventura and Jane, and praised them for coming forward.
Combs' legal team plans to appeal the sentence, citing the judge's consideration of acquitted charges as a basis for appeal. He is currently incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, and that time will count toward his sentence.
The sentencing hearing featured emotional testimonies from six of Combs' children and other family members, as well as a video showcasing his family and charitable work. The prosecution also submitted impact statements from Ventura and others, with Ventura expressing fear for her safety and rejecting Combs' claims of being a changed man.
