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Sean 'Diddy' Combs | Source: Getty Images
Sean 'Diddy' Combs | Source: Getty Images

Sean 'Diddy' Combs Receives His Sentence After a Lengthy Court Battle – Here's What We Know

Naomi Wanjala
Oct 04, 2025
12:41 A.M.

Sean "Diddy" Combs, once a towering figure in the music industry, was sentenced to over four years in prison on Friday, closing a case that exposed years of abuse shielded by wealth, fame, and silence.

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Music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs was sentenced on Friday, October 4, to four years and two months in prison. The charges stemmed from transporting individuals across state lines for sexual encounters.

Sean Combs is seen on October 26, 2023, in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images

Sean Combs is seen on October 26, 2023, in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images

The sentencing concludes a lengthy federal case marked by graphic testimonies. It also marks a major legal downfall for one of hip-hop's most prominent figures.

Combs’ federal trial in Manhattan lasted nearly two months and included emotional testimony from multiple women. They described enduring physical assaults, threats, sexual abuse, and blackmail at his hands.

Sean Diddy Combs at Mansion Nightclub for DJ Khaled's birthday party on November 24, 2004 in Miami Beach, Florida. | Source: Getty Images

Sean Diddy Combs at Mansion Nightclub for DJ Khaled's birthday party on November 24, 2004 in Miami Beach, Florida. | Source: Getty Images

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During sentencing, prosecutor Christy Slavik argued that leniency would minimize years of violence and exploitation. She said the case centered on a man who harmed others to serve his own desires, using power and control as tools that left lasting damage on his victims.

Combs was ultimately convicted under the Mann Act, a federal law prohibiting the transportation of individuals across state lines for illegal sexual activity. His defense attorney, Jason Driscoll, countered that the statute had been wrongly applied in his client's case.

Sean "P. Diddy" Combs at Mansion Nightclub in Miami Beach, Florida on May 7, 2006. | Source: Getty Images

Sean "P. Diddy" Combs at Mansion Nightclub in Miami Beach, Florida on May 7, 2006. | Source: Getty Images

Combs, 55, has already served one year in jail. With time served, he could be released in just over three years. In July, Combs was convicted of arranging flights for girlfriends and male sex workers.

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The encounters reportedly took place over many years and involved drugs and coercion. The jury also acquitted him of more serious charges: sex trafficking and racketeering counts, which could have meant life in prison but did not hold up in court.

Sean Combs at Howard University on October 20, 2023 | Source: Getty Images

Sean Combs at Howard University on October 20, 2023 | Source: Getty Images

Prosecutors had pushed for more than 11 years behind bars, but defense attorneys argued for immediate release. They said Combs' time in custody had sparked remorse and a turn toward sobriety.

U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian handed down the sentence and a $500,000 fine — the maximum allowed. He also questioned why the misconduct continued for so long, stating that Combs had the means and influence to sustain it and only stopped because he was eventually caught.

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Sean "Diddy" Combs photographed on February 25, 2015 | Source: Getty Images

Sean "Diddy" Combs photographed on February 25, 2015 | Source: Getty Images

The judge also praised the accusers who testified, saying they had given a voice to others and stood up to a powerful figure. He described their testimony as representing many more victims who had endured abuse in silence.

During Friday's sentencing, Combs broke down in tears as he addressed the court. The music mogul addressed the judge directly, expressing regret for his actions and offering a personal apology. He expressed gratitude to the court for allowing him the opportunity to finally speak.

Sean Combs and Cassie Ventura in New York City on May 7, 2018 | Source: Getty Images

Sean Combs and Cassie Ventura in New York City on May 7, 2018 | Source: Getty Images

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In a key moment, Combs turned his apology toward singer Cassie Ventura, his former partner. "I want to apologize again to Cassie Ventura for any harm I caused to her, emotionally or physically. I don't take that lightly," he said. He described his behavior as "disgusting, shameful, and sick," acknowledging the gravity of the case and its impact.

"I'm not this larger-than-life person," he said. "I'm just a human being." Combs told the court he was overwhelmed by guilt and remorse. "I hate myself right now," he added. "I've been stripped down to nothing. I'm really truly sorry for it all, no matter what they say." His statement marked a rare moment of public regret after months of silence.

Sean "Diddy" Combs poses on December 29, 2020 in Miami, Florida. | Source: Getty Images

Sean "Diddy" Combs poses on December 29, 2020 in Miami, Florida. | Source: Getty Images

Attorneys for Ventura also issued a statement acknowledging that "nothing can undo the trauma caused by Combs." They said the punishment reflected the severity of his crimes and the harm inflicted.

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Inside the courtroom, emotions ran high as Combs turned to his family before being escorted out. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry," he told them quietly. His legal team confirmed plans to appeal the conviction. Defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo argued that the judge had gone beyond his role, suggesting he acted as "a 13th juror" and second-guessed the jury's decision.

Sean Combs and his children arrive at the Los Angeles Premiere Of "Can't Stop Won't Stop" on June 21, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Sean Combs and his children arrive at the Los Angeles Premiere Of "Can't Stop Won't Stop" on June 21, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Before the sentence was read, defense attorneys played a video highlighting Combs' family life, career, and philanthropy. The video clip showed Combs giving motivational talks to children, sharing fun moments with his kids, and running a marathon to raise funds for education.

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In a plea for leniency, Combs asked for the chance to be a father again, a son, and a leader in his community. He apologized to those he harmed, acknowledging what he called his "disgusting, shameful" actions, and said the weight of domestic violence was something he would carry for life.

The Combs family departs from the Southern District of New York Federal Court after a pre-trial hearing for Sean 'Diddy' Combs on October 10, 2024. | Source: Getty Images.

The Combs family departs from the Southern District of New York Federal Court after a pre-trial hearing for Sean 'Diddy' Combs on October 10, 2024. | Source: Getty Images.

His children also spoke, appealing directly to the judge. Six of his seven children addressed the court, describing the personal toll of the case. His daughter, D'Lila Combs, broke down as she recalled losing her mother, Kim Porter, in 2018.

"Please, your honor, please," she pleaded, asking the court to allow the family the chance to heal together and move forward outside the glare of headlines.

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