Diddy sentenced to 50 months in prison

Sean "Diddy" Combs was sentenced to 50 months in federal prison after being convicted on two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian in Manhattan imposed the prison term, a $500,000 fine, and five years of supervised release. Considering roughly 13 months already served in custody, Combs is expected to remain incarcerated for about three more years before release.

At sentencing Combs apologised in court, specifically naming his two ex-girlfriends, and pleaded for mercy, saying he had “lost his way” and changed. Several of his children and family members addressed the court, some emotionally, urging leniency and stressing his role as a father. Defence lawyers urged a shorter term—arguing rehabilitation and that Combs did not profit from the conduct—while prosecutors sought a harsher sentence, detailing allegations of domestic violence and saying a strong penalty was needed to hold him accountable and deter future abuse.

Combs was acquitted at trial of more serious counts, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, but jurors found him guilty of two Mann Act-related charges tied to so-called “freak-offs,” encounters in which prosecutors say he arranged for others to have sex with his ex-girlfriends while he watched and filmed. Prosecutors described coercion involving drugs and physical violence and presented victim testimony and photographs of injuries. The judge rejected the defence’s portrayal of the relationships as consensual, saying Combs abused the women physically, emotionally and psychologically and noting the lasting trauma to the victims.

The prosecution argued the defendant’s celebrity and resources enabled the conduct; the defence countered that Combs did not financially benefit and highlighted his charitable work and reported personal reform during incarceration. Judge Subramanian said a significant sentence was necessary as a deterrent and to protect the public.

Combs will receive credit for time already served; his legal team said it plans to appeal the conviction and sentence. Investigations and public discussion of the case have emphasised both accountability for sexual and domestic abuse and the complexities of high-profile criminal trials.