What we know about the case
- A judge sentenced Sean “Diddy” Combs to 50 months in prison, fined him $500,000 and ordered five years of supervised release.
- Before he was sentenced, Combs addressed the judge, begging for mercy and apologizing for "sick" actions.
- Prosecutors had pushed for more than 11 years, while the defense sought 14 months — which would have equaled time served. Since Combs has been in custody since September 2024, he will receive credit for over a year already served.
- A jury acquitted Combs of racketeering and sex trafficking charges on July 2, but convicted him on two lesser counts of transporting former girlfriends for prostitution.
Combs' lawyer calls prison sentence unconstitutional, says to expect an appeal
Attorneys for Diddy said they have a strong basis to appeal the judge’s sentence, which they described as “unconstitutional.”
Speaking to reporters outside the courthouse, defense attorney Marc Agnifilo said Judge Arun Subramanian used the word “coercion” at least a dozen times during today’s sentencing hearing — even though the jury found there was no coercion.
“We think that’s unconstitutional,” he said. “We think a jury’s verdict should mean more.”
Attorney Gloria Allred said Combs 'has to pay the price for what he did'
Speaking outside the Manhattan courthouse, attorney Gloria Allred called Judge Arun Subramanian “very thoughtful” and said Combs “has to pay the price for what he did.”
Allred said she represents alleged victims of Combs who were concerned he might walk free by the end of the year.
“I think they’ll be happy he’ll be in prison for a number of years,” she said.
Combs shows little emotion to verdict
When the sentence was read, Combs showed little emotion in court. He looked at the judge and then looked down. Combs shook his head when judge was talking about Cassie Ventura's impact in the case. When the judge talked about the impact on the kids, Combs also shook his head.
Afterward Combs turned toward his family and tapped his heart. He said to his children and his mother, “I love you, I’m sorry.” Then he said “I’ll be OK” as he gathered his papers and walked out with the marshals.
What's next for civil suits against Combs?
Sean “Diddy” Combs was sentenced to over four years in prison on prostitution-related charges. NBC News legal analyst Kristen Gibbons Feden explains what will happen to the civil claims that several women have filed against the music mogul.
Combs’ family in tears as judge reads sentencing
As the judge explained his reasoning for Combs’ 50-month sentence, several members of Combs’ family were in tears, including his eldest daughter, while others looked to one another for a sense of direction.
Aside from the tears and glances, Combs’ family and friends largely compiled with the courtroom rules, withholding verbal reactions to the verdict.
Combs paying price for 'serious offenses,' Cassie Ventura's lawyer says
The lawyer for Combs victim Cassie Ventura said the 50-month sentence reflects the "serious offenses" committed by the music icon.
“While nothing can undo the trauma caused by Combs, the sentence imposed today recognizes the impact of the serious offenses he committed," her attorney Douglas Wigdor said in a statement.
"We are confident that with the support of her family and friends, Ms. Ventura will continue healing, knowing that her bravery and fortitude have been an inspiration to so many.”
Judge calls Cassie Ventura, 'Jane' 'brave survivors' who gave others a voice
Judge Arun Subramanian described the two women at the center of Combs’ conviction as “brave survivors” who gave others a voice.
“Jane and Cassie Ventura have been through abuse and trauma we couldn’t imagine,” he said, adding: “I can only say your families are proud of you and your children will be proud of you for coming to the court to tell you what really happened. You weren’t just talking to the jury, you were talking to the women who feel powerless.”
Combs urged to make most of second chance
The judge who sent Combs away for multiple years behind bars encouraged the disgraced artist to make the most of his second chance.
"Being a champion and uplifting Black and brown communities — that’s what you set out to do at the beginning of your career decades ago," Subramanian told the defendant.
"Your letter said you lost your way but there’s a true path to redemption here: What went wrong and what can be made right."
The judge told Combs he was "counting on you to making the most of that second chance."
Combs sentenced to more than 4 years in prison
U.S. District Court Judge Arun Subramanian sentenced Sean Combs to 50 months behind bars.
Prosecutors had sought an 11-year, three-month prison term for his Mann Act conviction, while the defense was aiming for a 14-month sentence, which would have amounted to time served.
Combs, 55, was taken into custody in September last year so he'll have more than a year of credit toward his incarceration.
The judge also fined Combs $500,000 and ordered five years of supervised release once Combs leaves prison.
Judge says Combs 'inspired communities' worldwide and 'abused' his power
Judge Arun Subramanian said he had considered several factors in determining Combs’ sentence, including that he is a self-made artist who has “inspired and lifted up communities worldwide.”
He cited Combs work and family history, including the murder of Combs’ father, and he said that work Combs had done behind bars was impressive.
“The court hopes you will continue to do that,” the judge said.
Subramanian added that he had to consider "all" of Combs' history.
"You abused the power and control with women you professed to love," he said. "You abused them physically, emotionally and psychologically."
