Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was sentenced to four years and two months in prison on Friday after being convicted of transporting women across state lines for drug-fueled sex marathons.
The sentencing, handed down by Judge Arun Subramanian at a Manhattan federal court, follows Combs’ July conviction on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution involving his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, and another victim identified in court as “Jane.”
Prosecutors had sought a sentence of more than 11 years and a $500,000 fine, while Combs’ defence team urged the court to impose no more than 14 months. Ultimately, Judge Subramanian sentenced the 54-year-old to 50 months in federal custody, imposed the full $500,000 fine, and ordered five years of supervised release following his prison term.
In delivering the sentence, Subramanian said a significant punishment was necessary “to send a message to abusers and victims alike that exploitation and violence against women is met with real accountability.”
During the hearing, both the prosecution and defence addressed the court, as did Combs and members of his family. The Bad Boy Records founder expressed remorse, calling his past actions “disgusting, shameful, and sick,” and pleaded for leniency.
Judge Subramanian noted that Combs’ subsequent assault on “Jane” after attacking Ventura showed a troubling pattern of behaviour. “The court is not assured that if released, these crimes will not be committed again,” he said.
Concluding the proceedings, the judge turned to the women who testified against Combs. “To Ms. Ventura and the other brave survivors that came forward, I want to say first: We heard you,” Subramanian said. “I am proud of you for coming to the court to tell the world what really happened.”
