Hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has been sentenced to 50 months, just over four years, in federal prison after being convicted on prostitution-related charges involving his two ex-girlfriends, according to bbc.com.
The sentence, delivered by Judge Arun Subramanian on Friday in New York City, follows a contentious hearing where prosecutors argued for 11 years, citing a history of domestic violence, and defense attorneys pleaded for 14 months, claiming Combs was a reformed man. Judge Subramanian ultimately determined a significant sentence was necessary “as a deterrent, and to send a message.”
Combs, 55, was found guilty in July of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, based on the Mann Act, after a nearly two-month trial. He was acquitted of the more serious charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking involving his former girlfriends, Casandra Ventura and “Jane,” who testified under a pseudonym.
Before the judge handed down the term, Combs, in his first public words since the trial began, addressed the court.
“My actions were disgusting, shameful, and sick,” he said, apologising to his victims by name. “I got lost in excess, I got lost in my ego.”
He also apologised to his mother and his seven children, most of whom were present. “I’m so sorry. They deserved better,” he said, before begging the judge for a second chance. “I ask your honour for mercy. I beg your honour for mercy.”
The defense presented an emotional case for leniency, with several of Combs’ children openly sobbing while vouching for his transformation. “In front of you and in front of us is a changed man,” said his son, Quincy Brown.
Prosecutors, however, were unsparing. Prosecutor Christy Slavik argued that a lighter sentence would “let the defendant get away with years of domestic violence and abuse” and that Combs “will pose a danger at any age.” Citing victim testimony and photographic evidence of injuries, she stated: “He didn’t need the money, his currency was control.”
The defense had argued that Combs was not a “pimp,” claiming the conviction didn’t apply because he did not benefit financially from the offences. They painted him as remorseful, pointing to his “untreated trauma and a ferocious drug addiction” as factors in his behaviour and highlighting his positive community contributions.
Judge Subramanian rejected this portrayal, stating Combs’ actions went beyond merely consuming prostitution. Addressing Combs directly, the judge said: “You abused them, physically, emotionally and psychologically… You had the money and the power to keep it going. This was subjugation.”
Combs will receive credit for the roughly 13 months he has already served in jail during the trial and will be required to pay a $500,000 fine. Following the hearing, his legal team stated they plan to appeal the decision.
