Joe
New York, NY — Hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was sentenced Friday to 50 months in federal prison following a dramatic and emotional hearing in Manhattan that capped one of the most shocking celebrity trials in recent memory.
The 55-year-old music icon was found guilty in July on prostitution-related charges after a harrowing two-month trial that exposed years of disturbing abuse involving his former partner, singer Cassie Ventura, and another woman identified only as “Jane.”
During Friday’s nearly six-hour sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian delivered a scathing rebuke of Combs’ actions.
“You abused them — physically, emotionally, and psychologically,” Judge Subramanian said. “Why did it happen for so long? Because you had the power and resources to keep it going, and because you didn’t get caught. A meaningful sentence is needed to protect the public from further crimes.”
Prosecutors had sought an 11-year sentence, citing the severity of the allegations and the long-running nature of Combs’ conduct. Defense attorneys, meanwhile, pushed for a 14-month term with credit for time served. The final sentence — just over four years — falls between the two recommendations.
Combs, wearing a wrinkled oatmeal sweater and black reading glasses, addressed the court in a 12-minute statement in which he apologized to Ventura and “Jane,” while also reflecting on his own downfall.
“My domestic violence will always be a heavy burden that I will forever have to carry,” he said. “I got lost in excess, I got lost in my ego.”
The courtroom remained tense as the sentence was announced. Combs, visibly emotional, turned to his family and placed his left hand over his eyes.
The sentencing took place in the same courtroom where jurors in July heard graphic, often stomach-churning testimony detailing Combs’ violent and manipulative behavior — including repeated references to his use of baby oil during assaults, a detail that became symbolic of the case’s disturbing revelations.
Combs’ legal team has not yet confirmed whether they intend to appeal the sentence.
Oscar
