Sean “Diddy” Combs, the music mogul and entrepreneur whose career has spanned three decades, was sentenced Thursday to just over four years in federal prison for violations of the Mann Act, a century-old law that criminalizes transporting women across state lines for prostitution. He was also fined $500,000.
Judge Arun Subramanian, delivering the sentence in Manhattan federal court, said the punishment reflected not only the specific convictions but the broader pattern of behavior revealed during the trial.
“The court has to consider all of your history here,” Subramanian told Combs, rejecting defense arguments that his actions were consensual encounters framed as “sex, drugs and rock ’n’ roll.” He said Combs “irreparably harmed two women” and emphasized that a substantial sentence was necessary to send a message that abuse of women carries consequences.
Combs, 54, had been acquitted of more serious sex trafficking and racketeering charges, but prosecutors pressed for a stiff sentence, citing testimony from victims and evidence of repeated coercion.
The judge acknowledged Combs’ role as a self-made artist, businessman and philanthropist, praising his devotion to family and his influence on communities, but concluded that accountability outweighed mitigation.
Defense attorneys denounced the ruling as excessive and unconstitutional. Brian Steel, one of Combs’ lawyers, called it “un-American,” arguing that the judge relied on conduct the jury had rejected.
“People get falsely accused, they go to trial, they’re acquitted—and then they get sentenced as if they were convicted anyway,” he told CNN, pledging to appeal.
Another defense attorney, Marc Agnifilo, said the team believed they had “a strong basis to appeal,” noting the judge had referred to coercion “a dozen times” despite the jury’s verdict against it.
Outside the courthouse, victims’ advocates praised the decision. Arick Fudali, who represents several women with civil claims against Combs, said he hoped the sentencing would “encourage other victims who are suffering in silence to come forward.” Doug Wigdor, attorney for Combs’ former partner Cassie Ventura, called the outcome recognition of “the impact of the serious offenses he committed,” adding that Ventura’s bravery had inspired many.
The sentencing caps a dramatic fall for one of hip-hop’s most prominent figures, long celebrated for shaping the sound of modern rap and building a business empire. Combs, who addressed the court briefly, now faces years in federal custody—and the prospect of an appeal that could redefine the limits of judicial discretion in high-profile cases.
