Sean "Diddy" Combs, popularly known as Puff Daddy, has been sentenced to 50 months in prison following his conviction on prostitution-related charges.
Sean “Diddy” Combs, popularly known as Puff Daddy, has been sentenced to 50 months in prison following his conviction on prostitution-related charges.
The sentencing marks a dramatic fall from grace for the hip-hop mogul, once celebrated for his influence in music, fashion, and business.
Sean Combs, aged 55, was convicted in July 2025 on two counts under the U.S. Mann Act, which criminalises the transportation of individuals across state lines for prostitution.
The charges stemmed from his orchestration of notorious sex parties dubbed “freak-offs,” where his ex-girlfriends were coerced into sexual encounters with male escorts.
During the trial, harrowing testimony from Casandra “Cassie” Ventura and another woman known as “Jane” revealed years of abuse, manipulation, and violence at the hands of Combs.
At the sentencing hearing in Manhattan, Judge Arun Subramanian handed down a prison term of four years and two months, along with a $500,000 fine—the maximum allowed.
The judge emphasised the gravity of Combs’s actions, stating that his immense wealth and influence enabled the crimes, and that the survivors’ courage in speaking out deserved recognition. “We heard you,” Subramanian told the women. “I am proud of you for coming to the court to tell the world what really happened”.
Combs appeared emotional during the hearing, offering tearful apologies and admitting his behaviour was “disgusting, shameful, and sick.”
He specifically addressed Ventura, whom he was caught on video physically assaulting in a hotel hallway, saying, “I know I’ll never put my hands on another person again.”
Despite his pleas for leniency, the judge remained unconvinced that Combs would not reoffend, citing the lasting trauma inflicted on his victims.
The prosecution had initially sought a sentence of over 11 years, arguing that Combs’s conduct amounted to a pattern of coercion and abuse.
His defence team, however, pushed for a sentence of just 14 months, citing time already served and portraying Combs as a philanthropic figure.
They presented an 11-minute video highlighting his career and family life, but the judge dismissed these efforts as insufficient to outweigh the severity of the crimes.
Combs’s legal team has announced plans to appeal the sentence, arguing that the judge improperly considered allegations that were not part of the jury’s conviction.
While Combs was acquitted of more serious charges like sex trafficking and racketeering, the judge maintained that the testimony presented during the trial painted a clear picture of abuse and exploitation.
Defence attorney Marc Agnifilo criticised the judge’s approach, saying it undermined the jury’s verdict.
Following his prison term, Combs will be subject to five years of supervised release.
The sentencing concludes a high-profile case that has shaken the entertainment industry and tarnished the legacy of one of its most iconic figures.
As Combs left the courtroom, he turned to his family and said, “I love you, I’m sorry,” signalling the beginning of a long road ahead—both legally and personally.
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