Sean “Diddy” Combs was sentenced on Friday to greater than 4 years in jail over his conviction on prostitution-related fees, with the decide rebuking the hip-hop mogul for subjecting two former girlfriends to years of abuse.
Combs, 55, was stoic as U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian introduced the 50-month sentence on the finish of a day-long listening to in Manhattan federal courtroom.
He might be launched in lower than three years after receiving credit score for the time he has already spent locked up on the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his September 16, 2024 arrest.
Combs had confronted a most potential sentence of 20 years behind bars over his conviction in July on two counts of arranging for paid male escorts to journey throughout state strains to participate in drug-fueled sexual performances with Combs’ girlfriends whereas he recorded video and masturbated.
The jury acquitted him on the extra severe fees of racketeering and intercourse trafficking, which might have earned him a life sentence.
Those fees hinged on prosecutors’ accusation that Combs used violence and threats to coerce two of his girlfriends – the rhythm and blues singer Casandra Ventura, and a girl recognized in courtroom by the pseudonym Jane – to participate within the performances, typically often known as “Freak Offs.”
Despite his acquittal on these fees, Subramanian stated a major sentence was justified given the hurt Combs had brought on Ventura and Jane.
“The court rejects the defense’s attempt to characterize what happened here as merely intimate, consensual experiences, or just a sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll story,” Subramanian stated. “This was subjugation, and it drove both Ms. Ventura and Jane to thoughts of ending their lives.”
Combs pleaded not responsible and is predicted to enchantment his conviction. In addressing the courtroom earlier than Subramanian imposed the sentence, Combs apologized to Ventura and Jane and stated he had discovered his lesson.
“I know I’ll never put my hands on another person again,” stated Combs, the founding father of Bad Boy Records who’s credited with elevating hip-hop’s stature in American tradition.
The New York-born entrepreneur is among the most distinguished males within the leisure trade to have confronted trial on intercourse crimes fees.
“While nothing can undo the trauma caused by Combs, the sentence imposed today recognizes the impact of the serious offenses he committed,” Douglas Wigdor, a lawyer for Ventura, stated in an announcement.
COMBS’ CHILDREN URGE LENIENCY
Combs’ attorneys acknowledged Combs had bodily abused his girlfriends, however argued they willingly took half within the sexual performances.
Defense attorneys stated the suitable sentence would have been 14 months, whereas prosecutors had pushed for a sentence of at the very least 11-1/4 years.
At the listening to, prosecutor Christy Slavik stated the decide ought to think about his abuse of his girlfriends.
“To not account for it now would be to let the defendant get away with years of domestic violence and abuse,” Slavik stated.
Before Combs spoke, his youngsters urged leniency for his or her father, telling Subramanian that he has grow to be a greater man within the yr since his arrest.
“We aren’t here to excuse any of his mistakes,” Combs’ 18-year-old daughter Jessie Combs stated by means of tears. “But your honor, he is still our dad, and we still need him present in our lives.”
Combs put his head down as his youngsters spoke, and had tears in his eyes when their remarks concluded.
Combs’Â attorneys additionally confirmed the courtroom a video about his background and philanthropy. The video confirmed Combs taking part in together with his youngsters, chatting with public faculty college students, and operating within the New York Marathon to lift cash for charity.
Subramanian stated prosecutors’ request for a harsh sentence didn’t bear in mind mitigating elements, together with Combs’ charitable acts.
At the tip of the listening to, the decide thanked Ventura and Jane for testifying, and stated they might encourage different ladies to report sexual abuse.
“The number of people who you reached is incalculable,” Subramanian stated.
© Thomson Reuters 2025.