Sean “Diddy” Combs Sentenced to More Than 4 Years in Prison

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Content warning: This story discusses sexual assault and domestic violence.

Sean “Diddy” Combs is spending more time behind bars.

Following his conviction on two charges related to prostitution – but being found not guilty of sex trafficking and racketeering – Judge Arun Subramanian sentenced Sean “Diddy” Combs, the founder of Bad Boy Records, to 50 months in prison – just over four years. This will be followed by five years of supervised release, and he was also ordered to pay a $500,000 fine.

At the hearing on Oct. 3, the judge clarified their decision. They stated that the prosecution’s suggestion of 135 months was too long, but the defense’s request for 14 months didn’t go far enough, according to NBC News.

As a firm believer in justice, I heard the judge state that a strong sentence is absolutely necessary to deter others. They explained that a significant sentence is vital – it needs to send a clear message, not just to those who commit abuse, but also to potential victims, showing them that such behavior won’t be tolerated. The judge emphasized that this isn’t just about punishing the individual, but about serving as an example to everyone. It’s about making sure others understand the seriousness of abuse and are discouraged from engaging in it, and that victims know the system takes these crimes seriously. It’s a crucial step in protecting our community, and a just outcome is essential.

The 55-year-old has a right to appeal the sentence.

Prior to the judge announcing their ruling, Combs addressed the court to express his apologies to Cassie Ventura and “Jane“.

He admitted, “My behavior was truly awful, embarrassing, and disturbing.” He continued, “I was unwell, deeply affected by drugs, and had lost control. I desperately needed assistance, but unfortunately, I didn’t receive it.”

Combs went on to say, “I lost my sense of self-worth. I’ve been deeply humbled and feel completely broken. I really dislike who I am at this moment; I feel like everything has been taken from me. I sincerely apologize for everything, regardless of what others might say.”

In a letter to the judge overseeing his case, Combs explained that he lost his direction over the years, and highlighted his commitment to sobriety.

“Despite this being the most difficult and painful period of my life, my time in prison has led to some positive changes,” Combs shared in a letter dated Oct. 2, which was obtained by NBC News. “Notably, I’ve been sober for the first time in 25 years. I’ve been working hard to address my struggles with drug abuse and anger, taking responsibility for my actions and actively pursuing healing.”

The letter also apologized to Ventura, who had an on-again, off-again relationship with Combs from 2007 to 2018 and was a crucial witness for the prosecution. (While testifying, the Me & U singer explained how Combs exerted control over every part of her life, even telling her to participate in “hundreds” of what she called “freak offs.”)

I can’t get it out of my head – the memory of me hurting Cassie just replays over and over. It’s from a video from 2016 that everyone saw last year, and honestly, I just completely lost it. I was so, so wrong to lay my hands on the woman I loved. I am truly sorry for what I did, and I always will be. It haunts me daily, and I’m trying to understand how I could have done something so terrible. I’m just… devastated by it all.

At the same time, a former assistant of Combs, known as “Mia,” claimed he sexually assaulted her. She also stated in court that she had seen him physically attack Ventura multiple times. Another person who testified, Dawn Richard of the group Danity Kane, said that Combs was often violent towards Ventura.

In court on May 19, Richard stated that he often physically assaulted her, describing instances of punching, choking, slapping her in the mouth, kicking, and punching her in the stomach. He suggested this abuse could be triggered when Cassie asserted herself.

Combs, who was taken into custody after being arrested on federal charges in September, will stay in jail until his sentencing, scheduled for TKTKdate.

Read on for more about Combs’ trial…

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve been following the case closely. Just before sentencing, Judge Subramanian – the judge who oversaw Combs’ federal trial – denied his request to be found not guilty on the two counts of transporting people for the purpose of prostitution. Essentially, the judge wasn’t convinced by the arguments to overturn the convictions, and the original verdicts stood. It’s important to note this happened right before the sentencing phase began, meaning the judge had already considered the evidence and found it sufficient for a conviction. This really sets the stage for what comes next.

Before this, Combs had denied all five charges against him in court-two related to sex trafficking through force, fraud, or coercion, two for transporting someone for the purpose of prostitution, and one for conspiring to commit racketeering-and originally could have faced a life sentence if convicted.

Throughout the seven-week trial held earlier this year, prosecutors claimed Combs forced women into participating in what they called “freak offs” – sexual performances involving sex workers and fueled by drugs. The defense team responded by stating that any such encounters were willingly agreed upon by all parties involved.

Prosecutors presented testimony from 34 witnesses in all. These included several of Combs’ past employees, male escorts, federal agents, and a former girlfriend who appeared in court using the name “Jane.”

Jane, who was in a relationship with the mogul for three years ending in 2024, shared her experiences with Combs during six days of testimony. She stated that the way their relationship developed made it hard for her to leave.

The defense team, after questioning several witnesses presented by the prosecution, decided not to present any witnesses of their own, instead relying solely on submitted evidence. Towards the end of the trial, Combs – whose case included a few surprising developments, such as the removal of a juror for not being truthful – stated he would not be taking the stand to testify.

As a longtime fan, I was relieved to hear from Combs’ attorneys after the verdict. They described the outcome as a “huge win” for him, even though the judge unfortunately denied his bail. It’s good to know his legal team feels confident, despite this setback.

He was found not guilty of sex trafficking and conspiracy under the RICO act, Anna Estevao stated to reporters outside a Manhattan courtroom, according to NBC News. She added, “He will be able to sleep well at night knowing that.”

Jay Clayton, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Ricky J. Patel, who leads Homeland Security Investigations in New York, put out a statement together after the announcement.

“Sexual assaults cause profound and lasting harm to survivors, and unfortunately, these crimes happen far too often in our communities,” they stated in a July announcement to TopMob News. “Those who experience these crimes suffer severe physical and emotional trauma that can have lifelong effects. People in New York and across the country want an end to this problem and for those responsible to be held accountable.”

Read on for more about Combs’ trial…

At the hearing on Oct. 3, 2025, the judge gave him a sentence of 50 months in prison-which is more than four years-followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered him to pay a $500,000 fine.

The musician addressed the court for the first time during his sentencing on October 3rd, offering an apology to Cassie Ventura and a person identified as “Jane“.

Combs stated that the experience of domestic violence would always be a difficult weight for him to bear. He described his behavior as disgusting, shameful, and sickening, admitting he was unwell due to drug use and lacked control. He acknowledged needing help, but didn’t receive it, and stressed he wasn’t trying to justify his actions. He said, “I cannot make no excuse.”

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

“I’m just a person who made mistakes. I did the best I could, but I got carried away with my flaws and my pride,” he explained. “My choices led to losing my freedom, and I wasn’t able to be a parent to my children or support my mother. I lost everything I built – my businesses, my career – and ruined my good name. But more than anything, I lost respect for myself. This has completely humbled and devastated me. I deeply regret my actions and feel like I have nothing left.”

In July, Judge Arun Subramanian set Combs’ sentencing date for October 3, 2025. The judge rejected Combs’ request for release on bail before the sentencing, explaining that the rapper had a “years-long pattern of violence” and should remain in jail.

Following the trial, where Sean “Diddy” Combs was acquitted of charges related to racketeering and sex trafficking involving both Cassie and “Jane,” but convicted of transporting them for the purpose of prostitution, the singer’s attorney responded to the court’s decisions.

The legal proceedings began when our client, Cassie Ventura, bravely filed a civil lawsuit in November 2023,” Douglas Wigdor stated in a July 2nd statement to TopMob News. “While the jury didn’t find Combs guilty of sex trafficking Cassie with enough evidence, her actions allowed them to find him guilty of transporting someone for the purpose of prostitution. By sharing her story, Cassie has made a lasting impact on both the entertainment world and the pursuit of justice.

Acknowledging the charges – to which Combs entered a plea of not guilty – Wigdor stated, “We need to emphasize, without any doubt, that we stand by and believe our client, who demonstrated remarkable bravery during this entire process.”

Wigdor also commended Ventura, one of the 34 people who testified during Combs’ 29-day trial, for her dedication and hard work.

He added that she demonstrated remarkable courage and highlighted the problematic behavior of influential figures, as well as the decades of unchecked misconduct. “This case showed us that real progress is urgently needed, and we remain committed to supporting those who have experienced harm.”

After learning he was found not guilty on three of the five charges in his federal case, Combs-who could have faced life in prison if convicted on everything-dropped to his knees and bowed his head into a chair, appearing to pray, according to NBC News reporters who were present in the courtroom.

According to reports from the news outlet, Combs’ family members were in the courtroom, applauding and celebrating the outcome for the music executive. The lawyers on the defense team embraced, and Combs shared a hug with his attorney, Brian Steel.

As a longtime follower of this case, I was there on July 2nd when the 12-member jury finally announced their decisions on the five federal charges Sean Combs faced in his sex trafficking trial. After three days of careful deliberation, they found him guilty on two counts of transporting individuals for the purpose of prostitution. These charges specifically involved his former girlfriends, Ventura, and another woman known only as “Jane.” It was a truly impactful day for everyone following the proceedings.

Sean Combs-who maintained his innocence regarding all accusations-was acquitted of one charge of conspiring to commit racketeering and two counts related to sex trafficking.

On the day before making their decision, the jury informed U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian that they couldn’t agree on the racketeering charge because of strongly held, differing opinions. Judge Subramanian spoke to the jurors and urged them to keep discussing the case. They ultimately reached a verdict just hours after resuming deliberations the following day.

Prosecutor Christy Slavik addressed the jury for four hours and fifty minutes, claiming that Sean “Diddy” Combs consistently employed power, violence, and intimidation to achieve his goals.

“He refuses to accept ‘no’ as a response,” she explained. “He considered it his domain, and everyone present was there to cater to his needs.”

Slavik highlighted two incidents involving Sean Combs: a physical assault on his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in 2016, and a reported assault on his then-girlfriend in 2024, who is being referred to as “Jane” during the trial.

She explained that although these two events happened eight years apart, they are connected. “They aren’t isolated incidents,” she said. “Instead, they’re parts of a larger narrative-the story of Sean Combs and the criminal organization he headed, composed of those closest to him.”

She continued, explaining that the criminal group consistently fulfilled the defendant’s wishes by using a deliberate and calculated approach involving violence, intimidation, and deceit. The defendant believed he could conceal his crimes by relying on the silence and embarrassment of others, and he wrongly assumed his celebrity, riches, and influence would shield him from legal consequences.

Slavik contended that during this trial, Combs benefited from a large team of assistants. She explained that these staff members were dedicated to fulfilling Combs’ every need, enhancing his image, and safeguarding his reputation, no matter the expense. She referred to them as “a small army of personal staff” who prioritized these goals.

The prosecution filed a document with the court asking for permission to change some details of their arguments regarding the attempted arson and kidnapping charges. They want to revise their existing theories on these crimes and present an updated case. This filing outlines the specific changes they are requesting.

Despite still being accused of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking-including allegations of kidnapping and arson-prosecutors stated in a letter dated June 24th that they had dropped instructions related to attempted kidnapping under the laws of both California and New York, attempted arson under California law, and assisting with sex trafficking.

The government also stated it hopes that making the language simpler will not only make the instructions easier to follow, but also prevent any misunderstandings.

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

The judge made it clear that no matter what the rap mogul chose to do, “no one – not even the jury – could assume he was guilty simply because he didn’t take the stand.”

Combs stated he had discussed with his team the possibility of not testifying, but he stressed that the ultimate decision to do so was “solely” his own.

“I’ve given this a lot of thought, and this is what I’ve decided,” he told the judge. “This is my choice, and I stand by it.”

According to Teny Garagos, Combs’ lawyer, both the defense and the prosecution anticipate needing “at least four hours” to deliver their closing statements to the judge.

Okay, so I’ve been *obsessively* following this trial, and today was huge! That Special Agent Joseph Cerciello finally finished on the stand after days of testimony for the prosecution. It was intense! But now, things are really shifting because Combs’ team announced they *won’t* be calling any witnesses of their own. Can you believe it? They’re just going to rely on everything that’s *already* been shown as evidence. It’s a total change of strategy, and I’m on the edge of my seat to see how it all plays out! I’ve been tracking every detail, and this is a major development. You can find more information here if you’re as obsessed as I am!

During Ceriello’s testimony on June 23rd, the jury saw explicit videos. NBC News reporters present in the courtroom stated these videos seemed to be from events Combs referred to as “freak offs,” and they were officially presented as evidence.

The special agent reported finding 50 explicit videos dated from 2021 and 2022, but the jury only viewed two of these files-they used headphones and individual screens to do so.

In voicemails to his former chief of staff Kristina Khorram from June 23, Combs described a number of requests he made while staying at a hotel in November 2021. These included asking for more baby oil, something he often requested when he was upset-referring to these times as “freak offs.”

He told Khorram, “Have them call me before they start driving.” Then, seemingly surprised to be out, he added, “I can’t believe I’m out. Load 20 bottles into this thing.”

In addition to extending her hotel stay by one day, Khorram responded, “OK. The baby oil is right outside the door.”

According to group text messages, his former employee messaged that she was setting up an IV drip for him and Jane, which he had previously used to recover from at least one intense competition, referred to as a “freak off” in the texts.

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

The jury saw text messages exchanged between Combs and Ventura. In these messages, the singer of “Long Way 2 Go” openly described how the alleged abuse was affecting her.

In March 2017, after Combs asked Ventura – whom he’d been dating on and off between 2007 and 2018 – if she wanted to take a break, she responded, “No. I simply don’t want to be made to feel bad for standing up for myself, or ever. Your actions make me feel unimportant.”

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

I offered you my love, but the moment I looked away, and you messed up, you physically pulled me around by my hair. I’m 30 years old,” Ventura wrote to him that May. “This isn’t a game anymore. Last night, I felt like I was dying, and it was strange because witnessing my own inner strength was so powerful.”

Oh my god, you won’t *believe* what I just read! Apparently, Brendan Paul-Diddy’s assistant, can you even imagine being *that* close to him?! He worked for him from 2022 to 2024-testified that he actually *bought* drugs for him! Like, multiple times! He listed them all – Marijuana, 2C, cocaine, ketamine, ecstasy! It’s… it’s just *so* much to process. I need to know everything!

Paul explained that they would contact the drug dealer by text, and the dealer would then come to one of their homes. He also remembered being fired on several occasions for different reasons, including once for forgetting a Lululemon fanny pack. He said he initially met the dealer either through text messages or phone calls.

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

As a lifestyle expert, I’m following this closely – Judge Subramanian had to end court proceedings for the day on June 18th. It seems a juror wasn’t feeling well and couldn’t return. And just a heads-up, court won’t be in session on June 19th either, as it’s Juneteenth. It’s important to be aware of these things if you have any business with the courts. Stay informed!

The judge explained that a juror is unwell and unable to attend, having experienced vertigo and needing to return home. “We were informed by the juror’s partner,” the judge said. “Since this juror is a member of the main jury panel, we won’t be able to continue the trial today.”

The judge pointed out that it’s uncertain if the juror’s sudden vertigo-causing dizziness, nausea, and headaches, among other effects-will be short-lived or a continuing problem, but stated they would “monitor the situation.”

Since the court is closed on June 19 for Juneteenth, Judge Subramanian stated the trial will continue on June 20 with a shorter session, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Soon after Judge Subramanian removed Juror No. 6 due to inconsistent answers about where he lives, another juror is now potentially facing removal. This is because of a reported inappropriate discussion about the case with a past coworker. The juror was questioned by the judge and, according to NBC News, turned over his phone for review.

As a dedicated follower, I can tell you that a decision regarding the member’s dismissal hadn’t been reached by the time the court session concluded on June 16. It was frustrating, honestly, because we were all hoping for some clarity, but the matter remained unresolved at the end of the day. We’re still waiting for news, and updates will be posted as soon as they’re available. It’s a difficult situation, and we’re hoping for a fair outcome, but no decision was made that day.

Kanye West showed up at the New York City courthouse on June 13th to support Sean Combs. The “Stronger” rapper spent roughly 30 minutes at the courthouse, briefly appearing in the waiting area but didn’t go inside the courtroom itself. The courtroom is primarily for Combs’ family and lawyers, and also for members of the press and the public who have been waiting in line for a long time to get a seat.

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

She stated that this resulted in instances of sexual voyeurism. She had contacted Anton, a sex worker they frequently employed, and during the trip, a group observed him engaging in sexual activity with a woman in a hotel room.

Jane informed Combs’ lawyer, Geragos, that the music executive was angry because he believed she had gone to a sexually suggestive event with another man. He used the phrase “freak off” to describe it.

During the 21st day of the Combs trial, Maurene Comey, a representative from the U.S. Attorney’s office, announced that her team wants to dismiss one of the twelve jurors.

“We really didn’t want to submit this letter,” she explained to Judge Subramanian just before the jury came into the New York City courtroom. “It seemed like someone wasn’t being honest with the court, and that’s a major concern for us.”

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

In reply, Judge Subramanian stated he would delay making arrangements regarding the juror until a determination is reached.

 

On June 10th, Jane and Garagos engaged in a difficult discussion where Garagos implied the witness was exchanging sexual favors for expensive gifts. 

Geragos reviewed text messages from November 2021 exchanged between Jane and Combs. These messages revealed the witness’s distress over Combs being intimate with other women. According to the texts, she questioned Combs about whether he had gifted one of these women “a Chanel bag” after their encounter.

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.

Jane stated that in approximately 2022, after researching her relationship with Combs, she came to believe he was a “cuckhold”-someone who derives enjoyment from watching their partner engage in sexual activity with another person.

“It helped me understand things better,” she explained, describing her motivation for the research. “I was really trying to thoroughly explore all the reasons why they enjoyed watching their partner with other men.”

The witness suggested that Combs’ interest in “hotel nights”-experiences very similar to Ventura’s “freak offs”-might stem from him exploring his own sexuality.

She testified that some individuals might harbor a genuine curiosity but feel too embarrassed to explore it personally. Therefore, they might use a woman to satisfy that curiosity without directly participating in it themselves.

Jane stated that she had given Paul-an escort she and Combs hired several times-the nickname “Trifecta.” She explained she chose the name because she felt their sexual connection was as strong and successful as that of famous basketball players.

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

She called Paul “really nice,” and mentioned that if she “had to” engage with escorts, she preferred “someone with a warm energy.”

Oh my gosh, you will not believe this! So, Jane was on the stand, and she basically said that P. Diddy’s relationship with Farrah was a huge problem – a real “point of contention,” as she put it – while she was falling for him. It was seriously messing with their romance, according to her testimony. I mean, can you imagine?! It’s just… everything is so complicated!

Jane explained that Khorram was constantly with Sean. “It created problems for us,” she said. “I think she felt very strongly about me, and that affected how Sean behaved towards me.”

On June 10th, Judge Subramanian rejected a request for a mistrial from Combs’ lawyers. They had claimed that Ventura and her friend Bryana Bongolan were not truthful about Bongolan being threatened with being dropped from the 17th-floor balcony by the rapper.

His legal team, who had previously asked the judge to declare a mistrial – a request that was also turned down – claimed in the court document that the prosecution engaged in “misconduct” by presenting what they described as “perjured testimony.”

According to a letter, 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 to prevent an unjust conviction, the court should declare a mistrial.

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

Jane stated that an argument started between her and Combs because he was seeing a woman much younger than him-25 years younger, to be exact. She said this led to her calling him a “pedophile” and physically assaulting him by pushing his head into a marble kitchen counter.

The witness stated she hid in the main bedroom, and Sean Combs started trying to force the door open. (Pictures of the damaged door were shown as evidence.) She claimed that as she attempted to escape, the Bad Boy Records founder kicked her in the back of her leg, causing her to fall.

She told the prosecution that he pinned her to the ground in a chokehold, lifted her up, and she struggled to breathe, standing on the balls of her feet. “I was just trying to get out of his grip,” she said.

Jane stated she quickly left the house and concealed herself behind an outside wall for about two hours, waiting for him to go away, but he remained. She explained that they then went back to his house, and she huddled in the backyard, trying to shield herself while Combs supposedly attacked her.

Jane testified that the fight worsened when Combs supposedly hit her in the back. “He began punching my head,” she stated in court. “He then started kicking me while yelling and continuing to punch.”

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

She testified that she told him, ‘No, I’m not. Please just leave me alone. Just go. Please stop.’ Then, she said, he grabbed her by the arm and hair and began dragging her back toward the house – pulling her by her hair and arm.”

Following the reported attack, Jane stated she noticed “two welts about the size of golf balls” on her forehead, and she also had a black eye.

Jane stated that investigators with Homeland Security raided her home-which Sean Combs paid for in March 2023-as well as several other properties owned by the music mogul. She explained that when agents arrived at her house, she immediately contacted Combs’ chief of security to inform him of what was happening.

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

As Jane and Combs’ relationship worsened, she stated that he told her he had “nothing to lose” by making the videos public. She explained in court, “It was just back-to-back pressure phone calls.”

She sent a message to Khorram detailing what happened, and this message was submitted as evidence. In the message, Jane stated that Combs was threatening to release the video, and she claimed she was “heavily drugged” in it.

She also explained that she required “time away from” Combs as she worked to process the “all the trauma” he had inflicted.

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

During her testimony, Jane stated that certain aspects of Ventura’s lawsuit from November 2023-which was eventually resolved-closely resembled her personal experiences with Combs.

“I nearly passed out, and I believe I actually did,” she shared with the jury, tears welling up. “There were three particular pages that were deeply upsetting and directly related to what I was going through.”

Jane, a participant in the “hotel nights,” shared that the experience felt like she was reading her own story. This prompted her to reach out to Combs through text messages.

In screenshots presented as evidence, she wrote that reading about Ventura’s lawsuit felt like reliving her own sexual trauma. She expressed feeling ill, stating the details were a verbatim account of “drug-filled days and nights.” She accused him of anticipating the lawsuit and of manipulating her, leading her to question her own sanity. She felt he deliberately drove her “crazy.”

“I’m deeply upset and felt pressured to engage in activity repeatedly,” the messages read. “You led me to question my own feelings about the sexual trauma I experienced. I feel incredibly violated. What happened was sexual exploitation.”

Combs then called Jane and secretly recorded their conversation, which was later presented as evidence. During the call, he told her they “did these things together” and emphasized that this was the time he needed her “to be there.”

While unaware she was being recorded, Jane confided in Combs that she felt “sick” to her stomach after reviewing Ventura’s documents.

Jane stated that during her involvement in “Hotel Nights” with Combs and male escorts, she frequently used ecstasy. However, on one particular occasion, she chose to abstain from drugs while engaging in sexual activity with three men.

She stated in court, “I was with several men that night.” She explained that she vomited, and then Sean entered the room and said, ‘You’ll feel better now. Let’s go outside.’”

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

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2025-10-04 00:24