In a dramatic turn in the high-profile trial of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, a federal judge on Friday sentenced him to 50 months in prison—just over four years—for his conviction on two prostitution-related charges.
The sentence also comes with five years of supervised release and a $500,000 fine. Combs will receive credit for roughly 12 months already served during the course of the trial.
In court before the ruling, Combs gave a tearful apology, calling his actions “disgusting, shameful and sick,” and addressing victims including Cassie Ventura and a witness identified as “Jane.” He acknowledged a long struggle with substance abuse and stated that he had become sober for the first time in 25 years. E! Online+1
Jurors had acquitted Combs on more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, but found him guilty on the lesser counts related to transportation to engage in prostitution. Prosecutors had sought a much harsher sentence—over 11 years—while the defense had urged for a sentence of 14 months or time served.
Judge Arun Subramanian, in delivering the sentence, stated that a “substantial sentence must be given” to send a message of deterrence to potential abusers, while also acknowledging Combs’s contributions and urging him to use the time to change. He told Combs there was a “light at the end of the tunnel,” though warned that the harm he caused to his victims remained serious and lasting.
The verdict underscores the complicated and deeply personal fallout from a trial where intimate details of abuse, manipulation, and power dynamics were laid bare in court, and where the victims’ testimony played a pivotal role.
Combs retains the right to appeal the sentence.
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