Hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has been sentenced to 50 months in prison after being convicted on prostitution-related charges, including transporting individuals across the United States for sexual encounters he described as “freak-offs.”
Judge Arun Subramanian, who presided over the case, said the evidence presented against Combs was “massive” and that a significant sentence was required. “This was subjugation,” he told the court, rejecting the defence’s argument that Combs’ actions were consensual relationships.
“You abused them, physically, emotionally and psychologically,” the judge said, stressing that the trauma inflicted on victims such as Cassie Ventura would “last a lifetime.”
The judge cited disturbing material shown in court, including a “savage video” of Combs beating Ventura in a hotel hallway and photographs showing “gashes and bruises.”
Subramanian told Combs: “You were no John. You were more than that,” emphasising that his conduct was far beyond that of a typical prostitution client.
Before sentencing, Combs addressed the court, admitting that his actions were “disgusting, shameful and sick.” Despite acknowledging his status as a self-made artist with a history of philanthropy and ties to the black community, the judge insisted these factors did not outweigh the seriousness of his crimes.
Alongside the prison term, Combs has been ordered to pay a $500,000 fine. Judge Subramanian said the sentence should serve as both a deterrent and a signal to society.
“It is a message to abusers and victims alike,” he said. “When victims come forward about crimes of abuse, they should trust that sharing their stories can lead to concrete actions.”
Outside the courthouse, reactions were mixed. A man named Dennis said he believed the punishment was fair, adding, “Combs has to pay for his actions, but he’s still human and made mistakes.” Nicole, another onlooker who had followed the trial, said, “I think the 50-month sentence is adequate to protect the victims. I’m here as a supporter of hip-hop, history, and Combs’ music, but not Combs himself.”
Judge Subramanian concluded that the severity and duration of Combs’ conduct, which spanned over a decade, justified the 50-month sentence. “You had the money and the power to keep it going,” he told Combs, reinforcing that the crimes demanded accountability.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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