A Manhattan judge on Friday sentenced music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs to 50 months in prison for two prostitution-related charges.
He was also given five years of supervised release and issued a $500,000 fine. John Dickerson anchors a special report. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian handed down the ruling following a July verdict where a federal jury found Diddy guilty on two counts of transportation for the purpose of prostitution. Each count carried a maximum of 10 years, but the judge opted for a sentence of 135 months—just over 11 years—matching the prosecution’s recommendation.
The court heard disturbing testimony during the trial, including accounts from Diddy’s former partner, Cassie Ventura, and another woman referred to as “Jane.” Witnesses described being coerced into sex acts at drug-fueled parties orchestrated by the Hip-Hop mogul. Judge Subramanian denied motions from Diddy’s legal team seeking to overturn the convictions or secure a new trial. He said the evidence presented was “overwhelming,” including detailed accounts of abuse and manipulation. The defense pushed for a significantly lighter sentence, asking for 14 months and noting that Diddy had already served 13 months in pretrial detention. They argued that the government exaggerated the extent of his involvement and that the jury acquitted him of the more serious racketeering and sex trafficking charges.
Opening arguments in the trial began May 12, 2025, with prosecutors portraying Diddy as the leader of a criminal network that used wealth and celebrity to exploit women. Ventura testified the next day, describing a decade of abuse and what she called “freak-off” parties, where women were allegedly drugged and forced into sex acts. Over the course of six weeks, the government called 34 witnesses, including former employees, alleged victims, and law enforcement officials. The defense called only two witnesses and focused on discrediting Ventura and challenging the credibility of the other accusers.
In July, the jury cleared Diddy of running a criminal enterprise under the RICO Act and of sex trafficking involving force or coercion. However, they found him guilty of transporting women across state lines for sex, which prosecutors said was part of a broader pattern of exploitation.
After the verdict, Diddy’s attorneys filed motions seeking acquittal or a new trial, but Judge Subramanian rejected them in August, stating that the jury’s decision was supported by “substantial and credible evidence.” Diddy will serve his sentence in federal prison and will be eligible for supervised release after completing 85 percent of his term.