Prosecutors Sought More Than 11 Years While Defense Pleaded for Leniency
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs was sentenced Friday to 4 years and 2 months in prison in a case involving sex workers, violence and “freak-offs.” The judge said a lengthy sentence was needed for deterrence and that he was unconvinced that if Combs is released, these crimes won’t happen again.
After handing down the sentence, Judge Arun Subramanian addressed Sean “Diddy” Combs directly, saying he knows Combs is likely in a “dark place” right now, but that he and his family would get through it.
“There is a light at the end of the tunnel,” the judge said.
“These letters, all those letters that I saw, show that you have a universe of people who love you,” the judge said, referencing several letters from Combs’ mother, sister, children and friends. “Let them lift you up now, just like you’ve lifted them up for so many years.”
In closing, the judge told Combs: “You will have a chance to show your children and the world what real accountability and healing look like.”
Combs, 55, appeared in federal district court in Manhattan on Friday morning to learn his fate after being convicted of transporting women to participate in drug-fueled sex marathons. Judge Arun Subramanian presided over the sentencing.
Combs was found guilty in July on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, tied to testimony from his former girlfriend Cassie Ventura and another victim who testified under the pseudonym “Jane.” Each count carried a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. The jury acquitted him of more serious charges of racketeering and sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, which could have led to life in prison.
Competing Arguments Ahead of Sentencing
Federal prosecutors pushed for a sentence of more than 11 years — or no less than 135 months — as well as the maximum $500,000 fine. They argued in court filings that Combs has shown no remorse and that his punishment should reflect the “substantial psychological, emotional, and physical damage” caused to his victims.
The defense urged Judge Subramanian to impose no more than 14 months, including the time Combs has already served since his September 2024 arrest. His attorneys argued that his legacy has already been destroyed and that his time at Rikers Island had been punishment enough.
Combs’ Final Plea
On the eve of sentencing, Combs submitted a four-page letter to the court, apologizing for the harm caused and asking the judge for mercy. “I realize that this trial has received a tremendous amount of global press and Your Honor may be inclined to make an example out of me,” he wrote. “I would ask Your Honor to make me an example of what a person can do if afforded a second chance.”
