Sean Combs speaks onstage at Invest Fest 2023, held at Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta on August 26, 2023. Prince Williams/WireImage
New York, US (EPICSTORIAN) — Sean “Diddy” Combs has been sentenced to 50 months in prison by Federal Judge Arun Subramanian in New York.
The decision followed his conviction on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution under the Mann Act.
The judge also imposed a $500,000 fine, saying Combs’ financial resources enabled his crimes.
Subramanian told the court that Combs “irreparably harmed two women” and said accountability must be enforced through a substantial sentence.
Government shutdown frames sentencing day
The sentencing came on the same day the United States federal government remained in shutdown after failed budget talks between President Donald Trump and lawmakers.
The US Capitol remained closed to many operations as Combs’ case drew national attention.
The juxtaposition of a global entertainment figure’s trial and a political standoff underscored mounting tensions in Washington.
Judge cites history and victim testimony
Judge Subramanian said he considered Combs’ successes, philanthropy, and devotion to family but ruled they did not outweigh years of abuse.
He rejected defense claims that Combs’ behavior was consensual, saying the record showed coercion, violence, and repeated abuse of women.
“You abused them physically, emotionally and psychologically,” Subramanian said, citing testimony from Cassie Ventura and another victim identified as Jane.
Diddy pleads for mercy in court
Combs addressed the court before sentencing, calling his actions “disgusting, shameful and sick.”
He apologized to victims and said, “I am sorry to all the victims of domestic violence.”
Despite his statement, the court questioned his remorse, pointing to an assault captured on hotel surveillance video in 2024.
Defense argues sentence is ‘un-American’
Brian Steel, a defense attorney for Combs, called the ruling “un-American.”
Steel told CNN that the judge improperly considered charges on which Combs was acquitted, including sex trafficking and racketeering.
“This sends the wrong message,” Steel said, vowing to appeal the sentence.
Victims’ lawyers welcome sentence
Doug Wigdor, attorney for Cassie Ventura, said nothing could undo the trauma but the sentence recognized the impact of the offenses.
He said Ventura’s bravery “has been an inspiration to so many.”
Arick Fudali, representing other victims, said the case should encourage survivors “suffering in silence” to confront powerful abusers.
Judge leaves message for Combs’ children
After imposing the sentence, Subramanian addressed Combs’ family directly.
“You have a universe of people who love you,” the judge said, urging Combs to show his children accountability and healing.
Sentence sparks wider debate
The case has intensified debate in the entertainment industry and legal circles over how courts handle abuse-related convictions of high-profile figures.
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Prosecutors originally sought more than 11 years, but the judge said such a term was not reasonable given the jury’s verdict.
Combs will serve supervised release after prison and must participate in treatment and mental health programs.
