Even if the prosecutors had requested a significantly stricter sentence, eleven years in prison, the penalty for Sean "Diddy" Combs was still noticeable. Imprisonment for four years and two months, probation for an additional five years and $500,000 in fines.
Hip-hop mogul Combs was convicted of several prostitution-related crimes on July 2, but was also acquitted of most of the more serious charges.
Judge Arun Subramanian determined the sentence on Friday. Combs, who had been detained for over a year, had wanted to be released completely and fell into tears when he appealed for mercy before Subramanian in court.
A large part of the indictment was based on testimony from, among others, singer Cassie Ventura, who lived with Combs for several years. She welcomes the sentence imposed.
"Although the harm caused by Combs cannot be undone, the sentence is evidence of the serious crimes he committed. We are convinced that Ms. Ventura will be able to continue the healing process with the support of her family and friends, with the knowledge that her strength and courage have inspired many," says her lawyer Douglas Wigdor in a statement.
Mikael Forsell/TT
Timeline: The case against Sean "Diddy" Combs
TT
November 16, 2023: R&B singer "Cassie" Ventura sues Combs and claims that he exposed her to abuse, assault and rape during their more than ten-year relationship. A day later, the couple reaches a settlement with secret terms. Combs denies the allegations.
November 23, 2023: Two more women accuse Combs of sexual abuse in lawsuits. Combs' lawyers call the allegations false. Dozens of additional lawsuits follow with both women and men accusing Combs of rape, sexual abuse and other attacks.
May 17, 2024: CNN publishes a video showing Combs attacking and assaulting Cassie in a hotel corridor in Los Angeles in 2016. Two days later, Combs publishes a video on social media where he apologizes for the assault.
September 16, 2024: Combs is arrested at a hotel on Manhattan. According to the indictment, Diddy is said to have used his business empire to force both men and women to participate in so-called "freak-offs" - parties with drugs and sexual elements. Combs denies the allegations. His lawyer calls it an unfair indictment against an "imperfect person".
May 12, 2025: The trial begins with witness hearings.
June 30, 2025: Jury deliberations begin.
July 2, 2025: The jury convicts Combs of two cases of prostitution-related crime but acquits him of the more serious charges of human trafficking and extortion.
October 3, 2025: Judge Arun Subramanian decides that Combs will be sentenced to prison.
