American music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has been sentenced to four years in federal prison after being found guilty on prostitution-related charges.
The 55-year-old producer and rapper will also serve five years of supervised release and pay a $500,000 fine, according to the ruling delivered by Judge Arun Subramanian on Friday.
In his sentencing remarks, Judge Subramanian acknowledged Combs’ challenging upbringing and his devotion to family but said the court could not overlook the abuse of power evident in his actions.
“The court rejects that these were just intimate consensual experiences or a sex, drugs and rock-and-roll story,” the judge said. “You abused power and control over women you had relationships with. You were no John — you were more than that. Deterrence requires a significant sentence.”
Throughout the hearing, Diddy sat quietly with his hands folded, showing little emotion. The courtroom remained silent as the judge referenced his past relationships with Cassie Ventura and another woman identified as Jane.
Cassie’s Lawyers Praise Her Courage
Following the verdict, Cassie Ventura’s attorneys — Douglas Wigdor and Meredith Firetog of Wigdor LLP — credited their client for sparking the case by filing a civil complaint in November 2023.
“Although the jury did not find Combs guilty of sex trafficking Cassie beyond a reasonable doubt, she paved the way for a jury to find him guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution,” they said in a statement. “By coming forward, Cassie left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice.”
They added that the case highlighted “the realities of powerful men in our orbit and the misconduct that has persisted for decades without repercussion.”
Diddy’s Emotional Apology
Diddy broke his silence only after his children addressed the court, becoming visibly emotional as an 11-minute home video montage of his family was played.
“One of the hardest things has been to be quiet — not being able to express how sorry I am for my actions,” he said. “I want to apologize again to Cassie Ventura for any harm I caused emotionally or physically. I don’t take that lightly.”
He also apologized to “Jane,” who testified under a pseudonym, and to “all victims of domestic violence.”
“My actions were sick. I was out of control. I needed help, but I didn’t get it. I lost my freedom, my career, my reputation, and my self-respect,” he said. “I’ve been humbled and broken to my core. I really am truly sorry for it all.”
Family Pleads for Leniency
Several of Diddy’s children, including Quincy Brown and Justin Combs, made emotional appeals for leniency, describing their father as a “changed man.”
“My father has learned a major lesson,” Quincy said. “He’s evolved, something we haven’t seen in 15 years. He would never do anything to jeopardize his freedom.”
Diddy’s daughters — D’Lila, Chance, and Jessie — also pleaded with the judge to allow their family to heal together, referencing their younger sister.
“We are tired of being strong,” D’Lila said tearfully. “We’ve already lost so much. Please, your honor, give our family the chance to heal together.”
Combs appeared somber in court, dressed in a white shirt and cream sweater, his hair now gray. He hugged his attorneys before taking his seat and listening quietly as his sentence was read.
The sentencing follows Combs’ July 2 conviction on federal prostitution charges — marking a dramatic fall from grace for one of hip-hop’s most influential figures.
Source – My News Ghana
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