Hip-hop star and businessman Sean “Diddy” Combs has been sentenced to just over four years in prison after being found guilty of transporting women for prostitution.
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The verdict was delivered on Friday in a New York court after a long and emotional trial.Prosecutors accused Combs, 55, of using his fame and wealth to exploit his ex-girlfriends, Casandra Ventura and another woman known as “Jane.” They claimed he organized sexual encounters called “freak-offs,” during which he paid male escorts to sleep with his partners while he watched and recorded.
Although Combs was cleared of the most serious charges of racketeering and sex trafficking, the court found him guilty on two counts of transporting women for prostitution under the Mann Act, a U.S. law that prohibits taking people across state lines for immoral purposes.Before sentencing, Combs apologized in court to his victims, his mother, and his seven children.
“My actions were disgusting, shameful, and sick,” he said. “I got lost in excess and ego. I’m so sorry. My family deserved better.
” He begged the judge for mercy, saying he had learned his lesson and wanted another chance to be with his children.Judge Arun Subramanian sentenced Combs to 50 months in prison, saying the punishment was necessary to deter others and to hold him accountable for years of abuse.
He noted that Combs’ actions were “not just about prostitution” but about “control, violence, and subjugation.”During the hearing, Combs’ children tearfully asked the judge for leniency, describing their father as a “changed man.”
His daughter Delila pleaded: “Please give our family the chance to heal.”The defence argued that Combs did not profit financially from the acts and was not a pimp. They described him as a reformed man who had inspired others while in jail, where he has already served 13 months. His lawyers also highlighted his work in supporting black entrepreneurs and his charity work.
However, prosecutors insisted that a longer sentence was needed, saying Combs had “ruined lives” and continued to pose a danger. “His currency was control,” said prosecutor Christy Slavik.
“He didn’t need money to dominate.”Judge Subramanian said he was not convinced Combs would stay out of trouble after release.
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He also fined him $500,000 but credited the 13 months already served.Combs’ legal team plans to appeal the ruling.
The case has drawn worldwide attention, marking a dramatic fall from grace for one of hip-hop’s most influential figures.
