Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Federal Mann Act Conviction

Published: October 4, 2025, 14:30 EDT

Sean “Diddy” Combs, one of hip-hop’s most influential figures, has been sentenced to four years and two months in federal prison for transporting individuals across state lines for illegal sexual encounters. The ruling concludes a high-profile case that exposed years of disturbing conduct and left lasting scars on victims.

Though prosecutors pushed for a far longer sentence, the court balanced Combs’ prior time served with the severity of his crimes, marking a pivotal moment of accountability for the 55-year-old entertainer.

Conviction Under the Mann Act

Combs was convicted in July under the Mann Act, a federal statute prohibiting the transportation of individuals across state lines for unlawful sexual activity. The charges stemmed from allegations that he arranged travel for girlfriends and male sex workers to participate in drug-fueled encounters over many years.

While the jury acquitted him of sex trafficking and racketeering charges—which could have carried a life sentence—the conviction was enough to secure significant prison time. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, who presided over the trial in Manhattan, also imposed a $500,000 fine, the maximum allowed.

“Why did it go on so long? Because you had the power and the resources to keep it going, and because you weren’t caught,” Judge Subramanian said during sentencing, crediting survivors for their courage in testifying.

Judge Recognizes Victims’ Voices

Survivor testimony played a central role in the trial. Several women described a pattern of abuse, coercion, and violence at Combs’ direction.

“You gave them a voice. You stood up to power,” Judge Subramanian told the accusers in court. Prosecutors echoed this sentiment, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik stressing that Combs used “control as his currency” to exploit others for his gratification.

One of the most harrowing accounts came from singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, who said Combs forced her into repeated sexual encounters with strangers and physically assaulted her. Jurors were also shown video of Combs dragging and beating Ventura in a Los Angeles hotel hallway.

Another witness, identified only as “Jane,” testified she was pressured into sexual acts during drug-fueled parties while Combs observed or recorded.

Defense Arguments and Planned Appeal

Defense attorneys argued that prosecutors misapplied the Mann Act, claiming the encounters were consensual, though unconventional. Following sentencing, attorney Marc Agnifilo criticized the judge’s approach:

“We feel today the judge acted as a 13th juror, one we did not choose, and second-guessed the jury’s verdict,” he told reporters.

Combs’ legal team has announced plans to appeal the conviction and sentence, maintaining their stance that the government overreached in prosecuting the case.

Emotional Pleas and Apologies

Before sentencing, Combs addressed the court with an emotional apology. In a tearful statement, he acknowledged his “disgusting, shameful” actions and expressed regret to those he harmed.

“I ask for a chance to be a father again, a son again, a leader in my community again,” Combs said, appealing for leniency.

His attorneys presented a video highlighting his career achievements, philanthropic work, and family life. Six of his seven children also spoke in his defense, asking the judge for mercy. His daughter D’Lila, recalling the death of her mother Kim Porter in 2018, pleaded:

“Please, your honor, give our family the chance to heal together, to rebuild, to change, to move forward, not as a headline, but as human beings.”

Sentence Impact and Time Served

Combs has already served about one year in detention, meaning he could be eligible for release in roughly three years with good behavior. The relatively shorter sentence came as a disappointment to prosecutors, who had sought more than a decade in prison.

For the victims, however, the ruling marked an important moment of recognition. Attorneys for Ventura released a statement saying:

“While nothing can undo the trauma caused by Combs, the sentence imposed today recognizes the impact of the serious offenses he committed.”

Public Reaction

Outside the courthouse, the sentencing drew significant public attention. Fans, journalists, and onlookers gathered in scenes reminiscent of the trial itself.

Sade Bess, a longtime supporter from Brooklyn, reflected on the outcome:

“It’s devastating to see a pioneer of the Black community’s legacy nearly diminished,” she said. “But the judge showed mercy by giving him a second chance, while still honoring the victims.”

The case has reignited debates around power, celebrity, and accountability in the entertainment industry—conversations that will continue long after Combs begins serving his prison term.