Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs sentenced to four years in prison after court apology

Musician and producer Sean “Diddy” Combs has been sentenced to four years and two months in federal prison after being convicted of transporting people across state lines for sexual encounters.

The 55-year-old hip-hop mogul was also fined $500,000 at his sentencing in New York on Friday.

The ruling followed a two-month trial in which women testified about years of abuse. Combs was convicted in July under the Mann Act, though he was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that carried the possibility of life in prison.

Before the sentence was handed down, Combs addressed the court directly. He described his past behavior as “disgusting” and “shameful”.

Judge Arun Subramanian said Combs’ misconduct went on for years because “you had the power and the resources to keep it going, and because you weren’t caught.”

Combs has already served one year in custody, meaning he could be released in about three years with credit for time served.

His defence lawyers urged the judge to free him immediately, presenting an 11-minute video highlighting his family life, career, and philanthropy.

At one point during the video, Combs wiped away tears. Prosecutors argued for prison time, saying his pattern of abuse spanned years and was fueled by control rather than money.

The trial featured testimony from former girlfriend Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, who said Combs forced her into repeated sexual encounters with strangers and was seen on video dragging and beating her in a hotel hallway. Other women described similar experiences involving coercion and violence.

Combs remained subdued as the sentence was read, showing little emotion.

His apology marked the first time he publicly acknowledged wrongdoing during the proceedings, capping a high-profile trial that has become a major reckoning for one of hip-hop’s most influential figures.