SEAN “Diddy” Combs has been sentenced to four years and two months in prison following his conviction for arranging prostitution-related activities, with a U.S. federal judge sharply criticising the music mogul for what he described as the “subjugation” of two former girlfriends.
Combs, 55, remained expressionless as U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian delivered the 50-month sentence at the close of a full-day hearing in Manhattan. The sentence came despite the jury’s decision in July to acquit Combs of the more serious charges of racketeering and sex trafficking, which had carried the potential for life imprisonment.
Reuters reported today that the judge noted that while Combs had been cleared of those charges, the evidence presented in court demonstrated a long-standing pattern of abuse against his ex-girlfriends, rhythm and blues singer Casandra Ventura and another woman identified only as Jane.
“The court rejects the defence’s attempt to characterise what happened here as merely intimate, consensual experiences, or just a sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll story,” said Judge Subramanian. “This was subjugation, and it drove both Ms Ventura and Jane to thoughts of ending their lives.”
Prosecutors had pushed for a sentence of at least 11 years and three months, pointing to years of alleged coercion, psychological abuse and violence. The jury, however, convicted Combs on lesser counts: specifically, two counts of arranging for paid male escorts to cross state lines to participate in drug-fuelled sexual performances with Combs’ partners, which he filmed.
Although Combs pleaded not guilty, he apologised in court to both women and told the judge he had “learned his lesson”.
“I know I’ll never put my hands on another person again,” said Combs, founder of Bad Boy Records and a prominent figure credited with helping shape the modern American hip-hop industry.
His legal team, led by Marc Agnifilo, said Combs would appeal the sentence, arguing the judge had “second-guessed the jury’s verdict” and imposed a punishment that did not reflect the actual conviction. The defence had recommended a 14-month term, citing Combs’ prior philanthropy and positive steps taken since his arrest in September 2024.
Combs has been in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his arrest and is likely to serve less than three years after accounting for time already spent behind bars.
At the hearing, Combs’ children appealed for leniency. His 18-year-old daughter, Jessie, addressed the court tearfully, saying: “We aren’t here to excuse any of his mistakes. But, Your Honour, he is still our dad, and we still need him present in our lives.”
Combs lowered his head as his children spoke, visibly emotional by the end of their remarks. His legal team also screened a short documentary-style video showcasing his charitable work, including running the New York Marathon to raise funds and mentoring schoolchildren.
Judge Subramanian acknowledged these contributions, saying prosecutors had not fully accounted for mitigating factors. However, he emphasised that the abuse suffered by the two women could not be dismissed.
“While nothing can undo the trauma caused by Combs, the sentence imposed today recognises the impact of the serious offences he committed,” said Douglas Wigdor, a lawyer for Ms Ventura, in a statement following the sentencing.
In closing, the judge thanked both Ventura and Jane for their testimony, which he said could empower other survivors to speak out.
“The number of people who you reached is incalculable,” Judge Subramanian told them. - October 4, 2025
