Judge Arun Subramanian Sentences Sean “Diddy” Combs to 50 Months in Prison
New York – October 3, 2025
Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has been sentenced to 50 months in federal prison following his conviction on prostitution-related charges. The ruling was delivered by U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian in Manhattan on Friday, marking a dramatic turn in the career of one of hip-hop’s most prominent figures.
Combs, 55, was convicted in July on two counts of violating the Mann Act, which prohibits the interstate transportation of individuals for prostitution. He was, however, acquitted of the more severe charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, charges that could have carried far heavier penalties.
The sentence amounts to four years and two months in prison, though with credit for time already served since his arrest in September 2024, Combs is expected to serve closer to three years. In addition, Judge Subramanian imposed a $500,000 fine and ordered Combs to undergo five years of supervised release following his prison term.
While prosecutors had pushed for a sentence of more than 11 years, citing what they described as “years of abuse and coercion,” the judge rejected that request, opting instead for a punishment below the advisory guideline range of 70 to 87 months.
“This is a meaningful and serious sentence,” Judge Subramanian said in court. “It reflects accountability for crimes that inflicted harm on others while balancing fairness under the law.”
The sentencing capped months of legal battles and public scrutiny over allegations that Combs orchestrated so-called “freak offs” events involving the transportation of women across state lines for paid sex. During the proceedings, prosecutors described Combs as a “predator who exploited his power and wealth,” while the defense argued that the charges represented an unfair overreach.
Combs, dressed in a dark suit, appeared composed as the sentence was read. His legal team had earlier attempted to overturn the convictions, a request that was denied. They have since signaled plans to appeal both the conviction and the sentence, setting the stage for further legal battles.
Combs will remain in federal custody in Brooklyn, where he has been held since 2024, before being transferred to a long-term federal facility. His time served will be deducted from the total 50-month sentence. Upon release, the five-year supervised period will include restrictions on travel, mandatory monitoring, and compliance with strict federal conditions.
The ruling has already sparked debate, with critics arguing that the sentence is too lenient given the scale of the allegations, while others view it as excessive compared to similar convictions.
For Combs, who built an empire in music, fashion, and business under the Bad Boy Records brand, the sentencing marks a staggering fall from grace. Once hailed as one of hip-hop’s most powerful figures, his future now hinges on appeals and the long shadow of his conviction.
