Sean “Diddy” Combs will spend the next several years behind bars. A Manhattan federal judge sentenced the 55-year-old music mogul to four years and two months in prison Friday, citing his long history of abusing women.
The ruling comes after a July conviction in which jurors found Combs guilty of transporting women across state lines for prostitution. He was acquitted of more serious racketeering and sex trafficking charges that could have kept him in prison for life.
The Judge’s Decision
U.S. District Judge John Cronan made it clear that deterrence played a central role in the ruling. “I am not convinced these crimes would not happen again,” the judge said while handing down the sentence. Along with the prison term, Combs was fined $500,000 and ordered to serve five years of supervised release once he leaves custody.
Prosecutors had pushed for more than 11 years, describing Combs as “unrepentant” in their sentencing memorandum. His attorneys countered, asking for no more than 14 months, a request that would have allowed him to walk free after time already served.
A Courtroom Appeal
During the hearing, Combs broke down in tears as his defense team played a 12-minute video aimed at softening the court’s view of him. The montage featured clips of Combs with his children, delivering motivational speeches to students, and even running a marathon to raise money for education.
He appeared in court wearing a cream sweater layered over a collared shirt with dark trousers. The attempt at a softer image did not sway the judge, who emphasized the seriousness of the crimes.
Background on the Conviction
The charges stemmed from allegations that Combs arranged drug-fueled sexual encounters, sometimes referred to in testimony as “freak-offs.” The July trial lasted weeks and drew heavy media attention.
While the jury rejected the racketeering and trafficking charges, they unanimously convicted him on two counts tied to transporting women for prostitution.
What’s Next for Diddy
Since being taken into custody in September 2024, Combs has already served more than a year in jail, which will count toward his sentence. Even with that credit, he faces several more years behind bars before becoming eligible for release.
Once one of the most powerful figures in music and fashion, Combs now enters a very different chapter, serving time in federal prison.
