New York, October 3, 2025 — After a high-profile trial that captivated the entertainment world, music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was sentenced on Friday to 50 months (4 years and 2 months) in federal prison, following his conviction on two counts of transporting individuals across state lines to engage in prostitution.
Background & Charges
Combs, 55, had been on trial since May 2025 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The indictment included more serious charges — racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion — but a jury acquitted him of those.
The convictions stemmed from evidence that Combs arranged so-called “freak-off” events, wherein male escorts were brought across state lines to conduct drug-fueled sexual encounters with his girlfriends, which Combs allegedly recorded.
During the trial, former girlfriends including Cassie Ventura and another witness named “Jane” testified about coercion, violence, and abuse. Prosecutors argued that although Combs was acquitted of the most serious charges, the conduct underlying those allegations was relevant in sentencing.
The Sentencing Hearing
Judge Arun Subramanian pronounced the 50-month sentence in Manhattan federal court, along with a $500,000 fine and five years of supervised release to follow Combs’s prison term. Because Combs has already been in federal custody since his September 2024 arrest, the time served will count toward his sentence.
In courtroom remarks prior to sentencing, Combs apologized to the victims, his family, and the broader public. He expressed remorse, admitting to past abuse and declaring that he was broken and humbled. His six children also made emotional pleas for leniency.
Judge Subramanian, while complimenting Combs’s past achievements, focused his remarks heavily on accountability. He stated that the recorded abuse, coercion, and repeated misconduct demanded a “meaningful” sentence, warning that Combs would be held to a higher standard given his public platform. The judge also addressed the victims directly: “We heard you,” he said, acknowledging their courage in testifying.
Reaction & What Comes Next
Prosecution vs. Defense:
Prosecutors had sought a much heavier punishment — over 11 years (135 months) — citing Combs’s alleged pattern of intimidation, violence, and abuse. The defense had asked for a lighter sentence, suggesting just 14 months (with time served) based on claimed rehabilitation efforts and mitigating factors.
After the sentence, Combs’s legal team condemned the decision, claiming the judge effectively acted as a “13th juror” by punishing him for conduct on which he was acquitted. They plan to appeal.
Victims & Civil Lawsuits:
Cassie Ventura’s attorney issued a statement saying the sentence, though imperfect, gives recognition to the harm caused to survivors. Meanwhile, Combs still faces numerous civil lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct and abuse, some extending back decades.
Expected Release / Imprisonment Timeline:
With credit for the roughly 12 months already served, Combs is expected to remain in prison for approximately three more years, with a projected release in late 2028 (barring successful appeal or sentence modification) — to be followed by five years under supervised release.
This verdict marks one of the most significant legal downfalls in the music industry in recent years, and raises wider debates about celebrity accountability, the intersection of fame and power, and victims’ rights in high-profile cases. Let me know if you’d like a longer feature, timeline of the trial, or commentary from legal experts.
