Recording artist/rapper Sean Combs aka Diddy performs during the Revolt Party at the Time Warner Cable Studios. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
(New York, NY) – Sean “Diddy” Combs has been sentenced in his federal case. Combs was originally charged with sex trafficking but was only convicted on federal prostitution charges. Combs was first charged and arrested back in September 2024. Now, he will serve just over 4 years behind bars and will have to pay a $500,000 fine. The day after his sentencing, Diddy was hit with yet another lawsuit from California.
Bad Boy to Spend More Time Behind Bars
Combs was convicted back in July by jury in Manhattan’s Southern District court house. Combs was found guilty of federal prostitution, but was acquitted on more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. Judge Arun Subramanian said the good behavior behind bars and acts of charity are not enough to cancel out the conviction. The judge said a substantial sentence was necessary to deter future abuse and exploitation. The judge also noted the court did not have much confidence that Combs is fully rehabilitated.
Scenes Outside the Courthouse
Supporters of the rap mogul were lined up with the droves of media outside the courthouse, both groups arriving early before the sun rose on Friday. Combs was joined in court by his mother. After the sentence was read out, Diddy dropped his head as the judge thanked the victims who testified. Outside the courthouse, chants rang out in support of Combs’ mother as they left the building.
The Last Minute Letter
Ahead of the sentencing, Combs wrote a letter to the judge in a last minute plea for mercy. In his letter, he apologizes for past wrongdoings including the domestic violence incident that went viral showing Combs beating his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. Combs compared the incident to a “deep wound”. Combs says his time in prison made him realize he was corrupted by the drugs and excess. The letter also coincided with a video released by Diddy’s legal team, portraying Combs with his children.
Diddy’s Legal Battles Are Not Over
Combs has spent the past 13 months at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. That time served will be credited as part of his 50 month sentence. After the sentencing, attorneys for the mogul say they plan to appeal the sentencing and claim the judge acted as a 13th member of the jury. Combs was also hit with yet another lawsuit in California. In that case, a former intern claims he contracted HIV after being drugged and assaulted at a party hosted by Diddy.
