Sean “Diddy” Combs, once one of the world’s most powerful music moguls, has been sentenced to 50 months in prison on prostitution-related charges following a highly publicised trial that exposed years of abuse, coercion, and violence.
Three months ago, Combs, 55, fell to his knees after a jury acquitted him of sex trafficking and racketeering — charges that carried a possible life sentence. But on Friday, Judge Arun Subramanian told a downcast Combs that his crimes warranted a significant punishment, sentencing him to just over four years in prison and a $500,000 fine.
“These were serious offences that irreparably harmed two women,” Subramanian said, describing how Combs used his fame and power to “subjugate” his victims.
Throughout the judge’s 20-minute speech, Combs sat still and emotionless. When the sentence was read, he turned to his family and appeared to mouth the words: “I love you, I’m sorry.”
Cassie’s response
For the first time since the sentencing, Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura — Combs’ former girlfriend and a key witness in the prosecution’s case — has spoken out.
Her attorney, Doug Wigdor, issued a statement:
“While nothing can undo the trauma caused by Combs, the sentence imposed today recognizes the impact of the serious offenses he committed. We are confident that with the support of her family and friends, Ms. Ventura will continue healing knowing that her bravery and fortitude have been an inspiration to so many.”
Ventura herself had written a letter to Judge Subramanian ahead of the ruling, calling her years with Combs “the most traumatic and horrifying chapter of my life.”
“I still have nightmares and flashbacks on a regular, everyday basis, and continue to require psychological care to cope with my past,” she revealed. “My worries that Sean Combs or his associates will come after me and my family is my reality.”
She also disclosed that she had moved her family out of New York for safety.
A trial that changed everything
The jury was shown graphic videos of Combs’ so-called “freak offs” — drug-fuelled sex parties involving escorts and his ex-girlfriends, including Ventura. They also watched a video that had previously gone viral, showing him beating Ventura in a hotel hallway.
Although acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering, Combs was found guilty of transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution.
Victims’ rights attorney Gloria Allred told reporters outside the courthouse:
“He has to pay the price for what he did. Many of my clients were very concerned that he might walk free by the end of this year … I think they will be happy that he will be in prison for a number of years.”
Dissenting voices and public reaction
Not everyone welcomed the sentence. Popular American YouTuber and social commentator JD Delay called the ruling “laughable” and a “disgrace” in a post on X, demanding deeper financial probes into Combs’ empire.
“The judge giving Diddy 50 months as a sentence is laughable. What a disgrace. Somebody needs to send a forensic accountant to check all of his financials, crypto, and any offshore accounts linked to him.”
Meanwhile, Combs himself admitted in court that he will forever carry the shame of his actions.
“Domestic violence will always be a heavy burden that I will have to forever carry,” he confessed (per CNN).
“My actions were disgusting, shameful and sick. I was sick, sick from the drugs, I was out of control, I needed help and I didn’t get the help, and I cannot make no excuse.”
In another reaction, former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani told PEOPLE that he was “not surprised” by the outcome.
“It was a split the baby sentence. It was heavier than I expected for a simple prostitution case. But when you brought in all the evidence of the violence, the force, the coercion, the threats, the drugs, I’m not surprised.”
Outside court, Combs’ lawyers confirmed plans to appeal the sentence, raising the prospect of a drawn-out legal battle ahead.
Wider impact
The sentencing has sparked renewed conversations about gender-based violence and accountability in the entertainment industry. Similar to the ongoing GBV scourge in South Africa, Combs’ trial underscores how power and influence are often used to silence survivors.
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What the verdict means for Cassie
Judge Subramanian acknowledged the pain endured by Combs’ victims while assuring his family there was a “light at the end” after his prison term.
“Mr Combs, you and your family, you are going to get through this,” he told the courtroom.
For Cassie Ventura, the sentencing represents both a step forward in her long journey of healing and a broader lesson for survivors. “Although the jury did not find Combs guilty of sex trafficking Cassie beyond a reasonable doubt, she paved the way for a jury to hold him accountable for transportation to engage in prostitution,” her lawyer Wigdor emphasized.
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