What Was Diddy’s Sentence? Sean Combs Gets 50 Months in Federal Prison

Sean “Diddy” Combs has been sentenced to 50 months in federal prison after being convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Judge Arun Subramanian delivered the sentence on Friday, October 3, 2025, in a Manhattan courtroom.

The decision closes a high-profile legal battle that began with Combs’ 2024 arrest. Prosecutors sought more than 11 years, while the defense pushed for just over a year with time served. The final ruling landed in between, reflecting both the seriousness of the crimes and mitigating factors.

Diddy’s 50-Month Sentence Explained

The 50-month prison term — equal to four years and two months — also includes a $500,000 fine and forfeiture of assets tied to the crimes. Judge Subramanian said the punishment was intended to send “a message to abusers and victims alike” and act as a deterrent for future abuse cases.

During sentencing, the judge rejected the defense’s argument that Combs’ relationships with Cassie Ventura and another victim, identified as Jane Doe, were consensual. He called the decade-long abuse “subjugation” and noted evidence including a widely circulated hotel video and photographs showing injuries.

Although the jury cleared Combs of sex trafficking and racketeering charges earlier this year, the judge retained discretion to consider the broader pattern of abuse when deciding the sentence length. Legal experts said this outcome was tougher than what Combs’ lawyers wanted but less than the government’s request.

Combs has already served 13 months in Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, where he awaited trial and sentencing. He will now be transferred to a federal prison chosen by the Bureau of Prisons. His celebrity status means he will likely be placed in a facility with higher security or protective custody.

Impact on His Career and Public Reaction

The sentencing is a major blow to Combs’ music empire. Industry insiders told BBC News and Reuters that many mainstream artists are unlikely to collaborate with him again. His streaming numbers have already dipped, with a reported 59% decline in playlist visibility and a 36% drop in U.S. radio airplay since his 2024 arrest.

Outside the courthouse, reactions were mixed. Some supporters said the punishment was fair, while others argued it was too lenient for the harm caused. Cassie Ventura’s attorney said the decision “recognizes the impact of the serious offenses” and praised the courage of victims who came forward.

Despite the legal fallout, Combs still has millions of monthly listeners on streaming platforms. Analysts say his music catalog could remain popular even while he serves his sentence — similar to artists like R. Kelly and Tory Lanez — though his mainstream career is unlikely to recover soon.

Sean Combs’ 50-month prison sentence closes one of the most closely followed celebrity trials in recent memory. The ruling delivers accountability for his actions while sparking debate about justice, power, and the music industry’s response to abuse allegations.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What was Diddy’s sentence in 2025?

He was sentenced to 50 months in federal prison, plus a $500,000 fine, after being convicted on two prostitution-related charges.

Q2: Where will Diddy serve his time?

He will be moved from Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center to a federal prison selected by the Bureau of Prisons, likely under protective custody.

Q3: How long has Diddy already been in jail?

He has spent about 13 months in pre-sentence detention since his September 2024 arrest, which may count toward his total sentence.

Q4: How does this affect Diddy’s music career?

His mainstream collaborations and radio play have declined sharply. Analysts say his catalog will remain online but his public career may not rebound.

Q5: What did the judge say about the victims?

Judge Subramanian praised Cassie Ventura and another victim as “strong women” for sharing their stories and said the sentence sends a message to abusers.

References

BBC News. (2025). Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs sentenced to 50 months in prison — judge cites decade-long abuse. October 3, 2025.

Reuters. (2025). Sean Combs gets four years and two months for prostitution charges in New York. October 3, 2025.

Associated Press. (2025). Diddy sentenced to 50 months in federal prison, fined $500K after high-profile trial. October 3, 2025.