Sean “Diddy” Combs, once one of the most powerful figures in the music industry, has been sentenced to 50 months in federal prison following his conviction on charges linked to what prosecutors called a pattern of transporting women for sex, often under disturbing circumstances described in court as “freak-offs.”
The sentence was handed down Friday by U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, who did not hold back in his condemnation of Combs. “This was disgusting, shameful,” the judge said. “Sick.”
As reported by Associated Press, Combs was convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. He was acquitted of the more serious charges, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. Still, the judge said she had “serious concerns” about releasing him, denying him bail for the second time and citing fears that similar behavior could occur again.
Combs has been in custody since his arrest in September 2024.
In court, Combs apologized to two of his former partners—Cassie and another woman referred to only as Jane—during an emotional moment at sentencing.
“I’m sorry,” he said, fighting back tears.
His attorneys insisted the sexual encounters were consensual, and claimed the government overreached in its case. The jury didn’t fully agree, convicting him on the lesser charges while sparing him from a much longer sentence.
Combs’ children were in the courtroom and reportedly made emotional pleas for leniency. The former Bad Boy Records CEO cried as they spoke on his behalf.
The term “freak-offs,” used repeatedly during the trial, became a symbol of the wild, coercive, and at times violent gatherings prosecutors said Combs orchestrated and financed. Witnesses described a dark world behind the glitz—one where sex, drugs, and power collided, often at the expense of vulnerable women.
Combs’ empire, once a blueprint for Black entrepreneurial success, now faces serious fallout. His businesses, endorsements, and cultural standing have all taken major hits over the past year as more accusations piled up.
But on Friday, there was no talk of music, fashion, or wealth—only accountability.
