Hip-Hop Icon Gets Over 4 Years in Federal Prison After Prostitution Conviction
Breaking News: Diddy Sentenced
Sean “Diddy” Combs has been sentenced to 50 months (four years and two months) in federal prison after being convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Judge Arun Subramanian also ordered the music mogul to pay a $500,000 fine and serve five years of supervised release following his prison term.
What Was Diddy Convicted Of?
In July 2025, Combs was convicted on two prostitution-related charges under the Mann Act. However, he was acquitted of the more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.
The 55-year-old “I Need a Girl” performer has been held at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center since his arrest in September 2024.
The Sentencing Hearing: What Happened in Court
Combs’ Emotional Apology
Before the judge announced the sentence, Combs tearfully apologized in court, saying “I’ve been humbled and broken to my core.” He called his actions “disgusting, shameful and sick” and apologized to victims and “all the victims of domestic violence.”
When leaving the courtroom, Combs turned to his family and said, “I’m sorry.”
Judge’s Powerful Remarks
Judge Subramanian delivered powerful remarks, stating that a substantial sentence must be given to send a message that abuse of women is met with accountability. He said Combs “irreparably harmed two women” and expressed that the court is “not assured” that Combs would not commit these acts again.
The judge concluded by encouraging Combs: “You have a chance to show your children what true change and accountability look like. I know you feel you are in a dark place right now, but these crimes were serious ones. You and your family are going to get through this. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.”
What Prosecutors and Defense Wanted
Prosecutors’ Request: Federal prosecutors argued Combs should face more than 11 years in prison (11 years and 3 months), stating he physically and mentally abused his girlfriends and employees for years and showed no remorse.
Defense Request: Combs’ lawyers asked for a sentence of no more than 14 months, essentially time served, which would have allowed him to be freed before the end of the year.
Actual Sentence: The 50-month sentence falls under the probation office’s recommendations of 70-87 months, representing a middle ground between what prosecutors and defense requested.
Key Evidence in the Case
The 2016 Hotel Video
One of the key pieces of evidence during the trial was a 2016 hotel security video showing Combs kicking, punching, and knocking his ex-girlfriend Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura to the ground. Prosecutors also showed photos of bruising and other injuries that Ventura alleged were inflicted by Combs throughout their decade-long relationship.
Victim Testimony
During the trial, a witness identified as “Mia” testified that she worked as Combs’ personal assistant from 2009 to 2017 and that he physically and sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions. She spent three days on the witness stand, much of it speaking softly and crying.
