Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, 55, has been sentenced to 50 months in federal prison for transporting individuals across the United States and abroad for illegal sexual encounters, including his then-girlfriend and male sex workers, in violation of prostitution laws.
According to NBC News, Combs’ projected release date is May 8, 2028, as confirmed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Prosecutors had sought a much longer 11-year sentence, arguing that Combs’ actions spanned years of exploitation and abuse.
Combs, who has been in custody since his September 2024 arrest, was acquitted of more serious racketeering and sex trafficking charges, which could have led to a life sentence. He has already served roughly half of his term, meaning he is expected to regain his freedom in about three years.
During sentencing, prosecutor Christy Slavik urged the court not to show leniency, emphasizing that failing to impose a significant sentence would allow the music executive to evade accountability for years of alleged domestic abuse.
Presiding Judge Arun Subramanian agreed that a firm sentence was necessary to ensure deterrence, noting he remained unconvinced that Combs would refrain from similar behavior upon release.
‘Disgusting, Shameful, and Sick’
In his address to the federal district court in New York, Combs admitted that aspects of his past behavior were “disgusting, shameful, and sick.” However, he continues to maintain his innocence and has filed an appeal challenging both his conviction and sentence.
The seven-week trial featured harrowing testimony from his former partner, Cassie (now Cassie Venture Fine), who told the court she was coerced and sometimes blackmailed into sexual encounters with male sex workers.
Jurors also viewed security footage showing Combs assaulting Ms. Fine in a Los Angeles hotel hallway following one such incident. In a letter submitted before sentencing, Cassie described Combs as a “manipulator” and expressed fear for her safety if he were released prematurely.
Combs’ legal team has vowed to pursue the appeal process vigorously, maintaining that the case has been “mischaracterized and politically charged.”
