NEW YORK – Hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has been sentenced to just over four years in prison after a New York court found him guilty on prostitution-related charges linked to his two ex-girlfriends.
U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian handed down the 50-month sentence on Friday, citing the need for accountability and deterrence after a trial that laid bare years of abuse, coercion and exploitation.
Combs, 55, was convicted in July on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution under the century-old Mann Act, but acquitted of the more serious racketeering and sex trafficking charges.
Prosecutors had sought an 11-year sentence, arguing his history of domestic violence and coercive control warranted a harsher punishment.
Before sentencing, Combs — who had remained largely silent throughout the two-month federal trial — apologized publicly for the first time.
“My actions were disgusting, shameful and sick,” he said, addressing his victims, Casandra Ventura and another woman who testified under the pseudonym “Jane.” “I got lost in excess. I got lost in my ego… I don’t have anyone to blame but myself.”
The emotional hearing featured testimony from Combs’ children, several of whom wept as they pleaded for leniency.
His son Quincy Brown described him as “a changed man,” while his 18-year-old daughter Delila implored the court to “give our family the chance to heal.”
But prosecutors said Combs’ apologies could not erase the trauma inflicted on his victims.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik told the court the music mogul had used his wealth and influence “to control, exploit, and degrade women for years.”
“He didn’t need the money — his currency was control,” she said. “This is a defendant who will pose a danger at any age.”
Judge Subramanian agreed, rejecting defence arguments that Combs was merely a “consumer of prostitution” and not a trafficker.
“You abused them physically, emotionally and psychologically,” the judge said. “You had the money and the power to keep it going. This was subjugation.”
Combs’ defence team had sought a 14-month sentence, saying he was “deeply remorseful” and rehabilitated after 13 months in jail.
They cited his past struggles with addiction and trauma, as well as his philanthropic work and contributions to Black entrepreneurship.
Following the sentencing, Combs’ lead attorney, Marc Agnifilo, said they intend to appeal.
The judge credited Combs for the time already served, meaning he could spend just over three more years in custody. He was also fined $500,000.
Once hailed as one of hip-hop’s most influential figures, Combs’ downfall has been swift — tarnishing a decades-long career that spanned music, fashion, and business.
“Today is about accountability and justice,” prosecutor Slavik said in closing. “Fame cannot shield you from the consequences of abuse.”