Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Attorneys Slams Judge Subramanian’s Sentencing

by

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ attorney thinks his client is a changed man.

This explains why Teny Geragos, the lead attorney for the music executive, strongly criticized Judge Arun Subramanian. The judge sentenced Combs to over four years in prison (50 months), followed by five years of supervised probation and a $500,000 fine. This came after Combs was found guilty of two crimes related to prostitution, but not guilty of sex trafficking or racketeering.

Following the sentencing, attorney Mark Geragos told ABC News on October 3rd that the jury’s verdict was clear: they found his client not guilty of both sex trafficking and RICO charges. He emphasized that a ‘not guilty’ verdict simply means the client was found innocent.

After the guilty verdicts, federal prosecutors requested that Judge Subramanian sentence Combs to 11 years, arguing he showed no remorse. Combs’s lawyers, however, asked for a 14-month sentence, noting he had already served 13 months.

Combs received a 50-month prison sentence, but he’ll get credit for the 12 months he’s already served in jail while awaiting trial.

Mark Geragos disagreed with the idea that Sean Combs wasn’t taking responsibility for his past mistakes. He told ABC News that after spending many hours preparing for trial with Combs, he genuinely believes Combs has changed.

Alexandra Shapiro, the lawyer heading up the appeal for Combs, criticized the judge’s ruling. She argued that the sentence shouldn’t have considered coercion, since the jury had already found Combs not guilty of that specific charge.

She told ABC News that the judge’s decision didn’t align with what the jury decided. She felt the judge acted like an additional juror and that the sentence was based on actions the jury had already dismissed. The jury had previously found Mr. Combs not guilty of any forced actions.

During the sentencing hearing, Subramanian explained his decision, highlighting the violent acts committed by Combs, particularly against his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura.

During the sentencing, the judge stated the court wasn’t confident the defendant wouldn’t re-offend if released, according to ABC News. The judge also expressed hope that the sentence would send a clear message to domestic abuse survivors: that there will be consequences for violence against women.

Before his sentencing on October 3rd, Combs spoke directly to the judge and the court.

He admitted his behavior was awful and embarrassing. He explained he was deeply affected by drug use, had lost control, and desperately needed help that he didn’t receive.

Combs admitted he’d lost his self-respect and felt completely humbled and broken. He expressed deep self-loathing and a sense of being reduced to nothing, offering a sincere apology regardless of what others might say.

For more on the case, read on.

At the hearing on October 3, 2025, the judge sentenced him to over four years in prison—specifically, 50 months—followed by five years of supervised release and a $500,000 fine.

The musician publicly apologized to Cassie Ventura and Jane, identifying them as victims, when he appeared in court for sentencing on October 3rd.

Combs admitted that the trauma of domestic violence would stay with him for life. He described his behavior as appalling and deeply regrettable, and explained that drug use had left him unable to control his actions. He acknowledged needing help, which he didn’t receive, and stated he wasn’t trying to justify his behavior.

He went on to share how the case has impacted him.

He explained that he was simply doing his best, but got carried away with his ambition and pride. As a result of his choices, he lost his freedom, couldn’t be present for his children or care for his mother, and lost everything he’d built – his businesses, his career, and his good name. Most importantly, he lost his own self-respect, leaving him feeling utterly broken and stripped of everything he once was. He admitted to feeling intense self-loathing right now.

Judge Arun Subramanian set Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sentencing for October 3, 2025. The judge also denied Combs’ request for bail, explaining that his history of violent behavior meant he should stay in jail until sentencing.

Following the trial, after Sean “Diddy” Combs was acquitted of racketeering and sex trafficking charges involving his former partners, Cassie and “Jane Doe,” but convicted of transporting them for the purpose of prostitution, his attorney issued a statement regarding the outcome.

Honestly, it all started with Cassie. She was so brave to file that lawsuit back in November 2023, and I’ve been following everything ever since! Even though the jury didn’t find enough proof for the trafficking claims, she *did* get them to admit he transported women for… well, you know. She’s amazing. Cassie really changed things, not just in the music industry, but for anyone fighting for what’s right. She’s a total inspiration, and I’m so proud of her for speaking up!

Acknowledging the charges Combs denied, Wigdor emphasized, “We firmly stand by our client and commend her bravery throughout this process.”

Wigdor also commended Ventura for her testimony, as she was one of 34 witnesses during the 29-day trial involving Combs.

He stated that she demonstrated remarkable courage and shed light on the abuse of power by influential figures, as well as the long-standing misconduct that has gone unpunished. He emphasized that this situation clearly shows the need for significant change, and they remain committed to supporting survivors.

When Combs learned he was found not guilty on three of the five charges against him, he dropped to his knees and bowed his head as if in prayer, NBC News reporters in the courtroom said. He had faced a potential life sentence if convicted on all counts.

According to reports, Combs’ family members were in the courtroom and reacted with applause and cheers to the verdict. His lawyers embraced each other, and Combs himself shared a hug with his attorney, Brian Steel.

After three days of discussion, the jury of twelve reached a decision in the sex trafficking trial against Combs on July 2nd. They found him guilty on two counts related to transporting individuals for the purpose of prostitution, involving both a former girlfriend named Ventura and another woman known only as “Jane.”

Sean Combs, who maintained his innocence, was acquitted of charges related to racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. Specifically, the jury found him not guilty of one racketeering charge and two counts of sex trafficking.

The jury informed Judge Arun Subramanian they couldn’t agree on the racketeering charge before delivering their final decision, citing strongly held and differing opinions. The judge urged them to keep discussing the case, and they ultimately reached a verdict a few hours after resuming deliberations the next day.

In her closing arguments to the jury, prosecutor Christy Slavik stated that Sean “Diddy” Combs allegedly used intimidation, threats, and force to achieve his goals. She spoke for four hours and fifty minutes to make her case.

She explained that he was incredibly stubborn and always got his way. He saw everything as existing solely to fulfill his needs and expected everyone to cater to him.

Slavik highlighted two instances of alleged abuse by Combs: a physical assault on his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in 2016, and a more recent alleged assault in 2024 on a girlfriend who is being referred to as “Jane” during the trial.

Although eight years apart, these two events are connected, representing different parts of the same overall story—the story of Sean Combs and the criminal group he headed, comprised of those closest to him.

The criminal organization repeatedly fulfilled the defendant’s wishes by consistently using violence, intimidation, and manipulation, she explained. The defendant believed he could hide his crimes by relying on the silence and shame of others, and he thought his celebrity, money, and influence meant the law wouldn’t apply to him.

Slavik claimed that during the trial, Combs received extensive support from a dedicated team of staff who were committed to fulfilling his every need, bolstering his image, and shielding him from any negative publicity.

Okay, so I’ve been following this case *so* closely, and the prosecutors just filed something with the court. Basically, they want to tweak their arguments about how the arson was *attempted* and the kidnapping part too. They’re not changing everything, just… refining it, I guess. It’s like they’re tightening things up, making sure their case is *perfect*. Honestly, it’s fascinating to watch them build this!

Despite still being charged with racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking – including allegations of kidnapping and arson – prosecutors have dropped specific attempted kidnapping and arson charges under California and New York law, as well as the charge of aiding and abetting sex trafficking, according to a letter filed on June 24th.

The government stated it hopes that using simpler language will both make the instructions easier to follow and prevent misunderstandings.

Combs told JudgeSubramanian that he will not take the stand during his sex trafficking trial.

The judge made it clear that whether or not the defendant chose to testify, no one – not even the jurors – could assume his guilt simply because he remained silent.

Combs admitted he discussed with his team whether or not to testify, but insisted the final decision was entirely his own.

“I’ve thought this through carefully, and this is what I’ve decided,” he told the judge. “It’s my final decision, and I stand by it.”

Diddy’s lawyer, Teny Garagos, informed the judge that both the defense and prosecution anticipate their closing arguments will each last at least four hours.

After several days of testimony from Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Joseph Cerciello, the prosecution rested its case on June 24th. Combs’ defense team announced they will rely on the evidence already presented and will not call any witnesses of their own.

During his June 23rd testimony, the jury saw explicit videos presented as evidence. News reporters from NBC News, who were present in the courtroom, reported that the videos appeared to be from parties referred to as “freak offs” hosted by Combs.

The agent reported finding 50 explicit videos from 2021 and 2022, but the jury only viewed two of them, using headphones and individual screens.

In voicemails to his former chief of staff, Kristina Khorram, Sean Combs outlined a series of requests from a November 2021 hotel stay. These included asking for more baby oil, which he said he often used when experiencing emotional outbursts.

He told Khorram to have them call him before starting their journey. Then, seemingly surprised to be out, he added, “Load up twenty bottles into this vehicle.”

Khorram also let them know she was staying an extra night at the hotel, and added, “The baby oil is right outside your door.”

According to text messages, his ex-employee told him she was making an IV drip for him and Jane, which he’d previously used to recover after intense competitions.

She also made sure that there were Plan-B pills, an emergency contraceptive, in his nightstand.

The jury saw text messages between Combs and Ventura where Ventura openly described the emotional and psychological damage she claimed she suffered due to the alleged abuse.

In March 2017, after Combs suggested they take some time apart following an on-again, off-again relationship from 2007 to 2018, Ventura responded that she didn’t want a break. She explained that she didn’t want to be criticized for standing up for herself and felt Combs made her feel unimportant.

In another instance, she further accused her ex of physically assaulting her. 

In a letter from May, Ventura wrote that she offered him her love, but he would immediately betray her trust, once even violently grabbing her hair and dragging her. She expressed feeling emotionally devastated, stating she was 30 years old and this behavior was no longer tolerable. She described a feeling of detachment, as if witnessing her own pain from afar, and found a strange beauty in the strength she saw within herself during that difficult time.

Okay, so this is HUGE. Diddy’s former assistant, Brendan Paul – he worked for him from 2022 to 2024, can you believe it? – just testified that he actually *bought* drugs for Diddy, multiple times! Like, actual weed, 2C, cocaine, ketamine, even ecstasy! I mean, wow. It’s all coming out now, and honestly, I’m completely obsessed with following every detail of this case. It’s insane!

Paul explained that they would text their drug dealer, who would then come to one of their houses. He said he initially connected with the dealer through texts or phone calls, and also mentioned being fired from jobs multiple times for things like forgetting his Lululemon fanny pack.

However, Paul vehemently denied being a “drug mule” for the rap mogul.

As a quick update, court was adjourned yesterday, June 18th, because one of the jurors unfortunately called in sick. And just a heads up, there won’t be court today, June 19th, as we’re observing Juneteenth. It’s important to be aware of these things when following cases, so I wanted to keep you informed!

The judge announced that a juror is ill and unable to attend court. They had a sudden bout of vertigo while traveling and had to return home. Because this juror is a regular member of the jury, the judge stated they won’t be able to continue with the trial today.

The judge said it’s not yet known if the juror’s sudden dizziness, nausea, and headache will pass quickly or become a lasting problem, but they will keep a close watch on how things develop.

Because of the Juneteenth holiday on June 19th, Judge Subramanian announced the trial will continue on June 20th with a shorter schedule, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Just after Judge Subramanian removed Juror No. 6 due to inconsistencies about where they live, another juror is now potentially facing removal. This juror reportedly discussed the case with a former coworker, and the judge questioned them and asked to examine their phone, according to NBC News.

By the end of the court session on June 16, a decision about whether to dismiss the member hadn’t been reached.

Kanye West showed up at the New York City courthouse on June 13th to support Sean “Diddy” Combs. West was there for about half an hour and spent some time in the waiting area, but he didn’t go inside the courtroom itself. The courtroom was reserved for Combs’ family, lawyers, the press, and people who had waited in line for hours to get a seat.

Jane remembered a fight they had after she took a trip to Las Vegas with a fellow rapper and his wife.

She stated that this behavior escalated to watching sexual acts. Specifically, she described soliciting Anton, a sex worker frequently hired by her and Combs, and witnessing him engage in sex with a woman in a hotel room while others watched during their trip.

Jane informed Combs’ lawyer, Geragos, that the music executive was angry after he believed she had been at a sexually suggestive gathering with another man.

On the 21st day of the Combs trial, a prosecutor named Maurene Comey told the court that the prosecution wants to dismiss one of the jurors.

She told Judge Subramanian, just before the jury came in, that they were hesitant to submit the letter because it seemed dishonest and raised significant concerns for them.

Defense lawyer Alexandra Shapiro, noting that Juror No. 6 is one of the Black jurors, requested a day or two to prepare a written response and review relevant legal precedents.

Judge Subramanian stated he would postpone addressing any logistical issues concerning the juror until a ruling is reached.

 

I was really disturbed to hear about the conversation between Jane and Garagos on June 10th. It was awful – he basically accused her of trading favors for gifts, implying she was having sex with men to get expensive things. It was a really unfair and upsetting attack on her character.

Attorney Mark Geragos reviewed text messages from November 2021 between Jane Doe and Sean “Diddy” Combs. The messages showed the witness was distressed by Combs having sexual relations with other women. She specifically asked him if he had given one of these women a Chanel bag afterward.

Jane said that she didn’t get a Chanel purse from Combs, telling Garagos that she “got trauma.”

When the attorney asked what a Bottega bag was, she replied, “I’m sure you have one.”

And when Geragos asked how much the item costs, Jane asked, “How much does my body cost?”

Jane was granted a 10-minute break following the exchange.

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve seen many relationship dynamics play out, and this one is particularly complex. In her testimony, Jane described a turning point around 2022. She explained that after reflecting on her relationship with Combs, and doing some research, she came to believe he enjoyed – and even sought out – situations where she was with other people. She used the term ‘cuckhold’ to describe what she understood this dynamic to be.

She explained that the research helped her better understand why people enjoyed watching their partners with other men. She was really trying to explore all the reasons behind that enjoyment.

The witness suggested that Combs’ interest in arranging hotel stays, which closely resembled the private encounters described by Ventura, might stem from Combs exploring his own sexual identity.

I’ve really been trying to understand this dynamic, and what I’ve gathered is that some people, they have hidden curiosities – things they deeply want to explore but feel too embarrassed or ashamed to act on themselves. It’s like they live vicariously through another person, using their experiences to satisfy those hidden desires without getting involved directly. It’s a way to explore those feelings from a safe distance, almost like they’re testing the waters through someone else.

Jane stated she’d given the name “Trifecta” to Paul, an escort she and Combs hired several times, because she felt their sexual chemistry was as successful as a winning combination in basketball.

“I was Kobe Bryant and Paul was Shaq [O’Neil],” she told jurors. “Combs was Michael Jordan.”

She said Paul was “really nice” and explained that, if she were to engage with sex workers, she preferred those who seemed kind and had a good personality.

Jane stated that the relationship between Combs and Khorram caused problems in her own romantic involvement with the music executive.

Jane explained that Khorram was constantly with her husband, Sean, which created problems in their marriage. She felt Khorram had strong feelings for her and that those feelings affected how Sean behaved towards her.

On June 10th, Judge Subramanian rejected a request from Combs’ lawyers to halt the trial. The lawyers claimed that Ventura and her friend, Bryana Bongolan, falsely stated that Combs had threatened Bongolan by holding her over a 17th-floor balcony.

I can’t believe this is happening! They’re *still* trying to smear him! His legal team – honestly, they’re fighting so hard – just pointed out that the prosecution is playing dirty. They’re saying the prosecutors deliberately used false testimony, and the judge just ignored their previous attempt to get the whole thing thrown out! It’s outrageous, I tell you, completely outrageous! They’re building their case on lies!

According to a letter submitted to the court, the government presented evidence in this case that they either knew was false or should have known was false. This evidence concerned their claim that Mr. Combs threatened Bryana Bongolan by holding her over the balcony of Cassie Ventura’s apartment in September 2016. The letter argues that because of this, the court should declare a mistrial to prevent an unfair outcome.

Jane alleged that the rap mogul had beaten her for hours June 2024.

Jane stated that an argument with Combs started because he was seeing a much younger woman – 25 years his junior. This led to Jane calling him a deeply offensive name and physically assaulting him by pushing his head into a marble countertop.

The witness stated she hid in the main bedroom, and Sean Combs began to kick the door in. Pictures of the damaged door were shown as evidence. She claims that while attempting to escape, Combs kicked her in the back of her leg, causing her to fall.

She told the prosecutors that he grabbed her in a chokehold, pinning her to the ground and lifting her up until she struggled to breathe. She said she was desperately trying to break free from his hold.

Jane stated she fled her house and hid behind an outside wall for about two hours, hoping the person would go away, but they didn’t. She then said they both went back to his house, and she curled up in the backyard, trying to shield herself while he reportedly attacked her.

Jane testified that the fight worsened when Combs supposedly hit her. She told the court he began punching her head and kicking her, repeatedly hitting her while also yelling.

She alleged that he told her that she was “trying to take him away from his kids and his family.” 

“I said, ‘No, I’m not. Just leave me alone. Just leave. Please stop,’” she testified. “Then he just grabs me by my arm and my hair and just starts dragging me back to the house … by my hair, by my arm.”

I was really shocked to hear what happened to Jane. She told me that after the attack, she had two big welts on her forehead – she said they were about the size of golf balls – and she also had a terrible black eye. It was awful to see, and she was clearly in a lot of pain.

Jane reported that Homeland Security Investigations raided her home—which Sean Combs had paid for in March 2023—as well as several other properties owned by him. She stated that when agents arrived at her house, she immediately contacted Combs’ head of security to inform him of the raid.

In December 2023, Jane claimed a powerful person threatened to share intimate videos of them with the father of her child.

Jane testified that as her relationship with Combs fell apart, he told her he had nothing to fear from releasing the videos. She described the situation as a relentless series of pressuring phone calls.

Jane texted Khorram about what happened, and this conversation became part of the legal evidence. In the messages, Jane stated that Combs was threatening to release a video, and she claimed she was “heavily drugged” in it.

Honestly, it broke my heart to read that she needed space from Sean Combs because she was dealing with all the pain he inflicted on her. It’s so clear she’s trying to heal and process everything, and she needs to do that without him around.

Jane told the court that Khorram assured her that Combs would not use the footage.

In her testimony, Jane stated that certain claims made in Ventura’s November 2023 lawsuit – which was eventually resolved – were similar to what she herself went through with Combs.

She told the jury, while crying, that she nearly passed out, and may have actually fainted. She explained that three particular pages contained details that were deeply upsetting because they mirrored what she was going through.

Jane, a participant in the “hotel nights” events, shared that the experience felt deeply personal, like she was witnessing her own life unfold. This prompted her to reach out to Combs directly through text messages to address what had happened.

In screenshots presented as evidence, she described reading details of her own sexual trauma in the lawsuit filed by Ventura. She expressed feeling ill, stating the lawsuit recounted her experiences – including drug use during those times – almost verbatim. She accused Ventura of anticipating this outcome and of manipulating her, leading her to question her own sanity.

The messages expressed deep distress, stating the person felt pressured into repeated sexual acts. They described feeling invalidated and dismissed regarding their trauma, leading to feelings of violation and the belief that what happened was sexual exploitation.

Combs then called Jane and, without telling her he was recording, captured their conversation. This recording was presented as evidence in court, and in it, Combs stated they had shared experiences and that he needed her present at a specific time.

Unaware she was being recorded, Jane told Combs she felt nauseous after reviewing Ventura’s documents.

Jane stated that during her involvement with Combs and male escorts in events called “Hotel Nights,” she frequently used ecstasy. However, one night she chose to remain drug-free while engaging in sexual activity with three men.

She testified that she had been with several men that night and had vomited. Sean then entered the room, reassuring her that she would feel better and suggesting they go outside.

Jane said that at the end of the night, she felt “absolutely terrible.”

Read More

2025-10-07 16:50