Sean “Diddy” Combs Sentenced to 4 years for Prostitution Convictions

03 October 2025

Sean "Diddy" Combs attends Day 1 of 2023 Invest Fest on August 26, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. Paras Griffin/Getty

In a Manhattan courtroom on October 3, 2025, Sean “Diddy” Combs received a sentence of 50 months in federal prison after being convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution though with credit for time already served, his actual remaining term is 36 months. The judgment also includes five years of supervised release and the maximum allowable fine of $500,000.

Combs’s sentencing marks a climactic moment following a high-profile trial that saw him acquitted of the more serious counts of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. Those charges carried the gravest potential penalties, but the jury found insufficient evidence to convict him on them.

During the hearing, Combs appeared visibly emotional and offered a public apology. He described his actions as “disgusting, shameful and sick” and addressed former partners and family members directly, acknowledging his failure to live up to their expectations. He pleaded for leniency, citing what he called personal growth and redemption efforts since his arrest.

The judge, Arun Subramanian, made clear that the sentence was intended to send a message about accountability, rejecting the notion that the case could be framed merely as consensual activity or an excess of celebrity excess. Subramanian referenced what prosecutors described in their sentencing memorandum as orchestrated “freak-off” parties that featured a mix of sex, drugs, and coercion, and ruled that these could not be reduced to casual or consensual scenarios. In remarks from the bench, he emphasized the need to reinforce the line between exploitation and celebrity privilege.

Prosecutors had sought an 11-year sentence, arguing that Combs had shown little genuine remorse and had even scheduled speaking engagements that began before his sentencing date. The defense, by contrast, had urged that his time already in detention, combined with testimony about his charitable efforts and reflections on his behavior, should weigh in favor of a more lenient sentence—no more than 14 months. During the hearing, his lawyers played a video montage showing his community engagement, children, and motivational messages, hoping to show a man changed by the process.

Because the sentence exceeds one year, Combs must begin serving the remainder in custody. He had been detained since September 2024, which now counts toward the total. He will be housed at a federal facility and, upon release, will enter supervised release under monitoring and conditions.

Legal observers note the sentencing also raises questions about how judges leverage acquitted conduct that is, evidence presented but not resulting in conviction as grounds for tougher sentences. Subramanian’s remarks suggest he was comfortable factoring in the disturbing witness testimony even when it did not strictly result in conviction.

Outside the courtroom, reactions poured in. Victims and activists praised the decision as a rare moment of accountability for a celebrity. Some questioned whether the term was sufficient, given the scale of allegations and the public nature of the case. Civil suits remain active against Combs, which could further complicate his legacy.

As of now, Combs has not publicly said whether he will appeal the verdict or seek executive clemency. The sentencing adds another dimension to a case already noted for its overlapping criminal and civil implications and for how public figures are held to account under the law.