Sean 'Diddy' Combs sentenced to four years in prison over prostitution charges

Hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has been sentenced to four years and two months in federal prison for interstate prostitution, less than half of the time sought by prosecutors in the wide-ranging sexual misconduct case.

The sentence, which includes a $500,000 fine, was announced Friday afternoon at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan U.S. Courthouse in Lower Manhattan, where Combs, his attorneys, friends, and family members spoke on his behalf in an attempt to gain a lighter sentence.

“A history of good works can't wash away the record in this case,” U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian told Combs. 

“You abused these women. You used that abuse to get your way, freak offs and hotel nights. The evidence of the abuse is massive.”

The Catholic-raised rapper was previously acquitted of more serious charges of racketeering and sex trafficking in July, part of a wider federal investigation into his conduct with numerous women and men dating back decades. 

The 55-year-old businessman, who rebranded as “Brother Love” in 2022, has faced several civil trials since 2023 concerning sexual misconduct. They began with a case filed that year by his former girlfriend Cassie Ventura, who was previously signed to his recording label, Bad Boy Records.

Ventura alleged rape, trafficking, and physical assault, part of a yearslong entanglement said to have included a mafia-style car bomb attack on rapper Scott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi after Ventura began dating him. Combs immediately settled in Ventura’s lawsuit for a reported $20 million, and a video of him assaulting her—captured on hotel security cameras in Los Angeles—was released publicly in May 2024 as other lawsuits began to pile up.

Combs was quickly dropped by several business partners as his legal troubles mounted, and two municipalities, New York City and Miami Beach, rescinded honors amid widespread boycotts of his music. He also stepped back or was pushed out of several business ventures, including the Revolt TV network and Ciroc tequila brand.

Federal agents raided Combs’ homes in California, New York, and Florida, in early 2024 as part of a criminal investigation into the claims of sexual misconduct. These included alleged assaults during star-studded “freak offs” that featured individuals held and transported against their will. Combs was arrested by U.S. Homeland Security in September 2024 after a grand jury returned a three-count indictment against him.

The federal charges were later superseded on three occasions, bringing the total to five counts before the trial began in May of this year. Among those testifying against Combs were Ventura, Kid Cudi, singer Dawn Richard, male and female escorts, and several former assistants speaking under pseudonyms.

Prosecutors later agreed to drop charges of arson, attempted kidnapping, and aiding sex trafficking, before Combs was found not guilty of racketeering and sex trafficking in July.

He was convicted on two counts of transportation for the purpose of prostitution, concerning Ventura, another former girlfriend, and two male sex workers. The charges together carried a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

While awaiting sentencing, Combs was repeatedly denied bail, being regarded as a flight risk and a danger to witnesses in the case. On Friday, Judge Subramanian said Combs had not shown remorse for organizing prostitution, and prosecutors said the rapper expected not to receive a lengthy prison sentence—allegedly scheduling speaking engagements for as early as next week.

Later in the sentencing hearing, Combs apologized to victims of his crimes but also blamed at least part of his actions on his use of opiates. Ventura testified in court that he was hospitalized for an overdose in 2012.

“I was sick. Sick from the drugs. I needed help. But I didn't get the help. I knew better. My faith taught me better,” Combs said on Friday.

“I don't want to let God down. I have no one to blame but myself. I know I will never put my hands on another person again. I'm willing to comply with any conditions. Me sharing my story, it's not a scheme to get less time. This story is tragic.”

In his federal trial, Combs has been defended by a high-profile team of lawyers, though one left the case earlier this year. His current counsel includes Marc Agnifilo, Teny Geragos, Xavier Donaldson, Nicole Westmoreland, and Brian Steel—the latter of whom successfully defended another rapper, Jeffrey “Young Thug” Williams, in a highly publicized state RICO case in 2024.

Combs’ family and friends spoke at his sentencing to advocate on his behalf, including his sons Justin and King—both of whom were accused of their own sexual misconduct in civil cases involving Combs. A lengthy video montage was also played for the court by his lawyers, emphasizing his family, community, and personal pursuits.

Combs is currently incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, one of the most notoriously dangerous facilities in the Federal Bureau of Prisons. His sentence will include 13 months of time served since his arrest, and possible reductions for good conduct could have him a free man by 2028. 

Some advocates say the federal case against Combs is overblown, a claim thought to be supported by the dismissal of (or not guilty verdict on) the most serious charges against him. Protestors outside of his trial have worn “Free Puff” and “Free Diddy” apparel since the spring, and fellow rapper Kanye West—currently beset by his own scandals—has called on President Donald Trump to pardon Combs.

The White House has made no official comment on the matter, though reports have emerged that Trump is “seriously considering” the prospect. It would mirror previous pardons he granted to hip-hop stars Dwayne “Lil Wayne” Carter Jr., Bill “Kodak Black” Kapri, and Kentrell “NBA YoungBoy” Gaulden.

The site where Combs will serve his prison sentence has not yet been determined, with a decision expected next week after a recommendation from his lawyers. He is expected to appeal his conviction.

Nate Tinner-Williams is co-founder and editor of Black Catholic Messenger.

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