Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has received a prison sentence of over four years and a fine of $500,000 following his conviction on charges related to prostitution.
The 55-year-old music producer was apprehended in New York last September, and after a highly publicized court trial, he was found guilty of two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution under the Mann Act.
The Mann Act, established in 1910, makes it illegal to transport individuals across state boundaries for purposes of prostitution, debauchery, or other immoral activities, with its original aim being to tackle human trafficking and exploitation.
Yesterday, Judge Arun Subramanian imposed a 50-month sentence, which comes three months after Combs was found guilty of the two charges.
Below is an overview of the sentence and its implications for Diddy.
Initially, Combs faced an extensive list of charges, including sex trafficking by means of force, fraud, or coercion, racketeering conspiracy, among others.
During the summer trial, however, the jury cleared him of the more serious allegations.
Ultimately, he was convicted on two counts under the Mann Act for transporting individuals for prostitution, each carrying a potential sentence of up to 10 years.
The prosecution’s case heavily relied on the so-called ‘freak-offs,’ which were drug-induced, often multi-day sexual gatherings allegedly hosted by Combs, sometimes recorded, involving male sex workers and his girlfriends at the time. The jury concluded that Combs paid participants to travel across state lines for these engagements.
Judge Subramanian dismissed the defense’s request for a more lenient sentence, asserting that a 14-month proposal ‘would not be sufficient’.
The judge recognized the difficulties associated with imprisonment but maintained that Combs ‘would still have a life afterwards’.
Despite the prosecution’s argument for a sentence exceeding 11 years, emphasizing the gravity of Combs’ actions and the potential threat to his accusers, the judge decided on a 50-month sentence coupled with the substantial fine.
Additionally, the sentence includes five years of supervised release following his time in prison.
During the sentencing, Judge Subramanian spoke directly to Combs and also acknowledged the victims, stating: “We heard you.”
He criticized the defense’s portrayal of the events as consensual, rejecting that narrative.
“A history of good works can’t wash away the record in this case. You abused these women. You used that abuse to get your way, freakoffs and hotel nights,” Judge Subramanian stated before announcing the sentence.
“The evidence of the abuse is massive. The drugs may have exacerbated your erratic and violent behavior over the years. However, the court has to consider all of your history here.”
With 13 months already served, Combs is likely to spend approximately three more years in prison. He has announced plans to appeal the conviction.
The case continues to have repercussions: beyond the criminal verdict, Combs is facing over 50 civil lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct.
If you’ve been impacted by any of the issues discussed in this article, you can reach out to The National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673), available 24/7, or chat online at online.rainn.org.