Sean “Diddy” Combs has been sentenced to four years in prison on federal prostitution charges.
In addition to the 50-month sentence, Diddy will have five years of supervised release and pay a $500,000 fine.
Judge Arun Subramanian noted Diddy’s difficult upbringing and acknowledged his family devotion before considering “all of your history and with respect to freak offs and hotel nights” as he handed down the sentence.
“Court rejects that these were just intimate consensual experiences or a sex, drugs and rock-and-roll story,” Subramanian said. “You abused power and control over women you had relationships with.”
Subramanian added, “Why did it happen so long? Because you had power and resources. You were no John. You were more than that. Even if your currency was your own desire. On deterrence, requires a significant sentence.”
When the judge imposed his sentence, Diddy had no reaction. He sat silently, looking forward, listening the entire time. His hands were folded in his lap. When the judge mentioned Cassie and Jane, Diddy looked down. At the end of sentencing, he quickly glanced between his attorneys, Shapiro and Steel.
Diddy’s family and supporters also did not react to the sentence. No one had visible facial expressions and the courtroom was completely silent.
Cassie Ventura’s lawyers, Douglas Wigdor and Meredith Firetog of Wigdor LLP, said in a statement provided to Fox News Digital, “This entire criminal process started when our client Cassie Ventura had the courage to file her civil complaint in November 2023.
“Although the jury did not find Combs guilty of sex trafficking Cassie beyond a reasonable doubt, she paved the way for a jury to find him guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution. By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice.”
They added, “We must repeat – with no reservation – that we believe and support our client who showed exemplary courage throughout this trial. She displayed unquestionable strength and brought attention to the realities of powerful men in our orbit and the misconduct that has persisted for decades without repercussion. This case proved that change is long overdue, and we will continue to fight on behalf of survivors.”
The 55-year-old rapper had almost no reaction throughout his sentencing hearing until his kids spoke. He was very emotional as they addressed the court and cried while an 11-minute clip, featuring home videos of his family, played.
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team showed a video during his sentencing hearing on Oct. 3. (Jane Rosenberg)
After a brief break, Diddy addressed the court for the first time to apologize, and also thank the judge for giving him “a chance to speak” for himself.
“One of the hardest things has been to be quiet, not being able to express how sorry I am for my actions,” Diddy said. “I want to apologize again to Cassie Ventura for any harm I caused emotionally or physically. I don’t take that lightly.”
Diddy also apologized to Jane, who testified under a pseudonym during the trial. The rapper said, “I didn’t mean to hurt you. Sorry that I brought you into my mess.” Diddy also apologized to all victims of domestic violence.
The producer admitted his “actions were sick,” as he referenced substance abuse issues. “I was out of control. I needed help, but I didn’t get the help,” he said. “I can make no excuse because I knew better. My mama taught me better. My faith taught me better.”
“One of the hardest things has been to be quiet, not being able to express how sorry I am for my actions.” — Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs
He continued, “Because of my decisions I lost my freedom. I lost the opportunity to effectively raise my children and be there for my mother. I lost all my businesses I lost my career. I totally lost my reputation. I lost my self respect.
“I’ve been humbled and broken to my core. I hate myself right now. Stripped down to nothing. I really am truly sorry for it all no matter what they say. I want to apologize to my seven children.”
Quincy Brown, Diddy’s adopted son, told the court that his father was a “changed man” after the trial. “My father has learned a major lesson,” Brown said. “We’ve seen him evolve, something we haven’t seen in 15 years. He would never do anything to jeopardize his freedom.”
Justin Combs asked the judge to give his father a “second chance at life.”
“This is one of the hardest times of my life. My father is my superhero,” Justin told the judge. “God makes no mistakes. Going through his tough time. He’s drug free, he’s clear. He’s changed for the better.”
Diddy’s daughters – D’Lila, Chance and Jessie – also gave statements to the court. The three focused on their two-year-old baby sister. D’Lila, while becoming emotional, emphasized they don’t want their sister to grow up fatherless like they had to grow up motherless.
“We are tired of being strong. We have already lost so much,” D’Lila told the judge. “Please your honor please, give our family the chance to heal together.”
Diddy appeared in court Friday, months after his July 2 conviction on federal prostitution charges. The now gray-haired rapper walked into court wearing a white shirt with a cream sweater over it. Diddy hugged all of his lawyers before giving a lengthy handshake to his lead attorney, Marc Agnifilo. The rapper then gestured to his family and put on his glasses.
Fox News
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