Sean Diddy Combs Sentenced to 4 Years Over Shocking Allegations of Violence and Sex Workers ‘freak-offs’

Sean “Diddy” Combs shown in a courtroom sketch during a tense sentencing hearing for a serious criminal case, possibly facing a lengthy imprisonment.

By  NEWS BLEND 360

Updated 8:20 PM EDT, October 3, 2025

NEW YORK (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs received a sentence of four years and two months in prison on Friday for transporting individuals across state borders for sexual activities, concluding a troubling federal case marked by intense testimony and resulting in a decisive outcome for one of the most influential figures in hip-hop.

Having already spent a year in jail, the sentence implies that the 55-year-old could be released in approximately three years. Although prosecutors requested a sentence exceeding 11 years, his attorneys argued for his immediate release, stating that his time in prison has already led to his remorse and sobriety.

In July, Combs was found guilty of transporting his girlfriends and male sex workers across the nation for drug-fueled sexual activities over several years. However, he was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have resulted in a life sentence.

“Why did it continue for such a long time?” U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian inquired while delivering the sentence. “It persisted because you had the means and resources to sustain it, and you weren't apprehended.”

Seated courtside, Sean "Diddy" Combs observes the action between the Brooklyn Nets and the New York Knicks during an NBA game in New York on March 12, 2017.

Subramanian, who also imposed a $500,000 fine on Combs, the highest permitted, commended the accusers who testified during the trial. They effectively spoke on behalf of many others who suffered abuse, the judge remarked: “You gave them a voice. You stood up to power.”

As the judge spoke, Combs, seated at the defense table, looked straight ahead. He remained subdued afterward, appearing dejected and lacking the enthusiasm and smiles he had shown earlier while engaging with his lawyers and family.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” he said to his family just before leaving the courtroom.

Combs’ lawyers announced their intention to appeal.

“Today, we feel that the judge acted as a 13th juror, one we did not select, and that he second-guessed the jury’s verdict,” defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo told reporters after leaving the court.

Prior to sentencing, Combs wept as his defense team presented a video showcasing his family life, career, and charitable work, and he pleaded for leniency.

“I ask your honor for a chance to be a father again,” Combs said, “a son again ... a leader in my community again ... for a chance to get the help that I desperately need to be a better person.” He expressed remorse to those he harmed physically and mentally through his “disgusting, shameful” actions and acknowledged that the domestic violence was a burden he would bear for the rest of his life.

D’Lila Combs, surrounded by family, makes an emotional statement while Sean Diddy Combs reacts during his sentencing hearing in Manhattan federal court on October 3, 2025.

His trial, lasting nearly two months in a Manhattan federal court, included testimonies from women who claimed Combs abused, threatened, sexually assaulted, and blackmailed them. Prosecutor Christy Slavik argued Friday that not giving Combs a severe prison sentence would overlook years of violence.

“This case involves a man who committed terrible acts against real people for his own sexual pleasure,” she stated. “He used control as his currency, causing significant harm to the victims.”

Combs was found guilty under the Mann Act, which prohibits transporting individuals across state lines for sexual crimes. Defense attorney Jason Driscoll claimed on Friday that the law was wrongly applied.

During the trial, former girlfriend Casandra “Cassie” Ventura testified that Combs forced her to engage in “disgusting” sexual acts with strangers repeatedly during their ten-year relationship. Jurors watched footage of him dragging and assaulting her in a Los Angeles hotel hallway following one of these extended “freak-off” events.

“While nothing can erase the trauma Combs caused,” Cassie’s attorneys, Douglas Wigdor and Meredith Firetog, stated, “the sentence handed down today acknowledges the gravity of the offenses he committed.”

Another woman, referred to as “Jane,” testified that she was coerced into having sex with male employees during drug-fueled “hotel nights” while Combs observed and occasionally recorded.

Combs’ lawyers contended during the trial that the government was attempting to criminalize consensual, albeit unconventional, sexual preferences.

The only accuser set to speak on Friday, a former assistant known as “Mia,” withdrew after defense objections; Slavik accused Combs’ attorneys of “intimidating” the woman. She has accused Combs of raping her in 2010 and requested in a letter that the judge impose a sentence reflecting “the ongoing danger my abuser poses.”

Six of Combs’ seven children spoke to the judge, asking for leniency for their father. One daughter, D’Lila Combs, expressed her fear of losing her father after her mother, Kim Porter, passed away in 2018.

Sean “Diddy” Combs' daughters make their way through the crowd as they arrive at Federal Court in New York on Friday.

“Please, your honor, please,” D’Lila pleaded through tears, “allow our family the opportunity to heal together, to rebuild, to change, to progress, not as a headline, but as human beings.”

Outside the courthouse, journalists and spectators gathered, reminiscent of the scenes from Combs’ trial.

Sade Bess, a Combs fan from Brooklyn, exited the court’s overflow observation room appearing both saddened and relieved.

“It’s heartbreaking to witness a pioneer’s legacy in the Black community almost being diminished,” she said. “But the judge showed compassion by granting him a second chance, while still respecting the victims.”