American rapper and business mogul, Sean “Diddy” Combs, has officially been sentenced to 50 months imprisonment (equivalent to four years and two months), following a lengthy and highly publicized court battle that has dominated global headlines for nearly two years.
The sentencing comes after Combs became the subject of widespread legal scrutiny when his former partner, Cassie Ventura, filed a lawsuit against him in November 2023. The case not only made headlines for its shocking allegations but also sparked several additional investigations that later unraveled more accusations surrounding the rap mogul’s past conduct.
Diddy Combs sentenced to prison
On Friday, October 3, 2025, Judge Arun Subramanian, presiding over a Manhattan federal court, handed down the 50-month prison sentence. Combs was found guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, a violation of the Mann Act. This charge, while not the heaviest he faced, carried significant legal weight and ultimately led to his conviction.
Prosecutors initially pursued more severe charges, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, but Combs was acquitted on those counts. Despite this, the court still emphasized the gravity of his actions, though the sentencing was far lighter than the 11 years (135 months) prosecutors originally requested. Instead, the judge balanced the case by issuing a sentence of just over four years behind bars.
His defense team had earlier argued for a much lighter sentence of 14 months, citing time already served since September 2024, and pointing to his age, declining health, and his role as a father. While the court did not reduce the sentence to that extent, their plea contributed to a sentence far shorter than what prosecutors demanded.
In addition to his prison term, Combs was ordered to pay a staggering $500,000 fine, which is the maximum allowable penalty for his conviction. The financial blow further compounds the challenges ahead for the once-celebrated music mogul, who has already faced substantial losses in brand partnerships and endorsements since the legal battle began.
Diddy’s emotional letter to the court
Ahead of the sentencing, Diddy Combs submitted a four-page handwritten letter to Judge Subramanian, pleading for leniency. In the letter, he expressed remorse for his actions and sought forgiveness, acknowledging his past wrongs, including physical assault allegations brought forward by both Cassie Ventura and another woman identified as “Jane.”
He described himself as a man who had made serious mistakes but who was eager to turn his life around and be present for his children. “I have learned more in the past two years than in my entire career. I want to become a better man, a better father, and a better human being,” he wrote.
Family milestones amid trial
While the legal case has overshadowed much of his public life, Combs still made headlines for his family milestones. Notably, before the final verdict, his twin daughters, Jessie and D’Lila Combs, graduated from Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth, California, on May 23, 2025. The emotional family moment saw relatives gather in support, with Justin Combs gifting the twins diamond necklaces and Van Cleef & Arpels bracelets to mark their achievement.
This bittersweet milestone highlighted the stark contrast between the family’s celebrations and the looming legal storm over Combs, which has now ended with his conviction and prison sentence.
As Diddy Combs prepares to serve his sentence, public opinion remains deeply divided. While some fans continue to express support for the music legend, others believe the verdict reflects long-overdue accountability. Either way, the once untouchable icon of hip-hop now faces the reality of spending the next four years behind bars.