Sean "Diddy" Combs was sentenced to 50 months, or just over four years, in prison on Friday, October 3, 2025, for his conviction on two prostitution-related charges . The sentence marks a significant fall from grace for the hip-hop mogul, who was acquitted of more serious sex trafficking and racketeering charges in July that could have carried a life sentence .
U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian announced the decision in a Manhattan federal courtroom . In addition to the prison term, Combs was fined $500,000, the maximum allowed, and ordered to serve five years of supervised release upon completion of his sentence . The judge stated that a substantial sentence was necessary "to send a message to abusers and victims alike that exploitation and violence against women is met with real accountability" . Combs will receive credit for the over 12 months he has already spent in custody since his arrest in September 2024 .
In a dramatic address to the court, Combs spoke publicly about his case for the first time, offering a tearful apology and begging the judge for mercy . He called his own actions "disgusting, shameful and sick" and attributed his behavior to being "sick from the drugs" and "out of control" . Combs personally apologized to his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura and the woman testifying under the pseudonym "Jane," saying, "I want to personally apologize to Cassie Ventura for any harm that I've caused her, emotionally or physically. I don't take that lightly" . He concluded by telling the judge, "I ask your honor for mercy. I beg your honor for mercy, to be a father again" .
The sentencing hearing featured starkly different portrayals of the defendant. Federal prosecutors had sought a sentence of more than 11 years, arguing that Combs was an unrepentant abuser who used his wealth and power to exploit women . They revealed that Combs had already booked speaking engagements in Miami for the following week, which a prosecutor called "the height of hubris" . In contrast, Combs' defense team pleaded for a sentence of 14 months, which would have resulted in his nearly immediate release . They argued that he had already been severely punished, had been a "model prisoner," and that his conduct was the result of "untreated trauma" and a "ferocious drug addiction" . Combs' six adult children also made emotional appeals for leniency, with his daughter D’Lila asking the judge for a sentence that would allow their family to "heal together" .
Before delivering the sentence, Judge Subramanian acknowledged Combs' positive attributes, noting he was a self-made artist who had "inspired and lifted up communities worldwide" . However, the judge stated he had to consider "all" of Combs' history . He rejected the defense's characterization of the events, pointing to the "massive" evidence of abuse . "You abused the power and control with women you professed to love," Judge Subramanian told Combs. "You abused them physically, emotionally and psychologically" . The judge also expressed concern that Combs assaulted "Jane" in 2024 even after authorities had executed search warrants on his properties, stating, "The court is not assured that if released these crimes will not be committed again" . Combs is expected to file an immediate appeal of his conviction .