By Devyn Briones
Staff Writer
After being convicted in July on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, Sean Combs, also known as “Diddy” or “Puff Daddy,” was sentenced to 50 months behind bars.
The hip-hop rapper, 55, was found not guilty of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking of his two ex-girlfriends, Cassandra (Cassie) Ventura, who is known for her roles in movies like “The Perfect Match,” and another woman under the pseudonym “Jane.”
However, Combs was convicted of flying his girlfriends, male sex workers and others to engage in paid sexual encounters, which he called “freak-offs.” This is a violation of the Mann Act, created in 1910, a federal law that criminalizes transporting anyone for the purpose of prostitution or any other illegal sexual activity, according to Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute.
“My mother taught me better. My faith taught me better… I got lost in the journey of life. I got lost in excess. I got lost in my ego. Because of my decisions, I lost my freedom. I’ve totally destroyed my reputation. I’ve been humbled and broken down. I hate myself right now,” Combs said during trial. “I’ve been stripped down to nothing.”
In November 2023, Ventura filed a lawsuit against Combs, accusing him of rape and abuse. This case was settled a day later under undisclosed terms. Through his attorney, Combs denied all accusations. A couple of days after Ventura’s lawsuit, more women and men began to accuse Combs of sexual abuse. But again, through his attorney, Combs denied the allegations.
The following year in May 2024, CNN broadcast the video of Combs brutally attacking and beating Ventura in a Los Angeles hotel hallway from 2016. CNN also included Combs’ apology response with the hotel footage.
On Sept. 16, 2024, Combs was arrested. About 10 months later, his trial began. He was convicted of two counts of a prostitution-related offense, but found not guilty of racketeering and sex trafficking. Combs’ lawyers were unsuccessful in having him released on bond, and he was again denied bail in Aug. 2025, forcing him to remain in jail until his Oct. 3 sentencing.
This past Friday, Judge Arun Subramanian sentenced Combs to four years and two months in prison, but he has credit for time he has already served, leaving him with only 36 months remaining on his sentence. He was also fined $500,000 and sentenced to five years of supervised release, according to People.
“To Ms. Ventura and the other brave survivors that came forward, I want to say first, we heard you,” Subramanian said. “I know your families are proud of you, and your children, when they are old enough, will be proud of you. And I am proud of you for coming to the Court to tell the world what really happened.”
Combs’ lawyers had no choice but to acknowledge the evidence that Combs is a domestic abuser, according to The New York Times. Doing so allowed them to maintain credibility, but also argue that he is not guilty of racketeering or sex trafficking.
Brian Steel, one of Combs’ lawyers, was reported to have tears in his eyes during the trial as he pleaded with the judge to allow Combs’ return home. “I am honored to practice in this majestic courthouse. I sit here with tears in my eyes, I can’t believe we’re here,” Steel said. “Sean has impacted America in such a positive manner.”
Subramanian encouraged Combs to shift his focus to doing good for survivors of domestic violence.
“We all have voices,” Subramanian said. “You have a megaphone.”
