This article, authored by Leena Nasir is republished under the Creative Commons “CC BY-NC-ND” license with permission from The Daily Caller News Foundation.
Sean “Diddy” Combs learned his fate in court Friday as a judge handed down his sentence of 50 months in jail.
After weeks of speculation over his fate, the music mogul stood before the court in civilian clothes and spoke directly to the judge. Prosecutors had pressed for more than 11 years in prison, while his lawyers argued for release after 14 months, nearly all of which he had already served.
“The evidence of abuse is massive,” the judge said, adding,”You were more than a John,” according to a source close to the situation.
The final sentence closes a closely watched legal battle that has dominated headlines and unsettled the entertainment world.
During sentencing, Combs pleaded for leniency, telling the judge, “I hate myself right now. I’ve been stripped down to nothing. I beg your honor for mercy to be a father again, to be a son again, a leader in my community, to get the help I need. I’m willing to comply with any conditions.”
He had faced sweeping allegations, but jurors acquitted him on the most serious charges — racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. Instead, he was convicted on two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution, the basis for Friday’s sentence. His attorneys insisted he was wrongly prosecuted under the Mann Act.
Insiders told the Daily Caller the courtroom was filled to capacity, with Combs’ entire family — including his children — present for the sentencing. His legal team submitted letters from relatives, a former girlfriend, fellow inmates, a pastor and others urging his release.
They also presented a video, shared with the Caller, highlighting moments of Combs with his children.
Ahead of the hearing, Combs wrote a personal letter to Judge Arun Subramanian, apologizing for his actions, pleading for mercy and insisting he had changed.
The prosecution countered with victim impact statements detailing allegations against Combs, including a letter from singer Cassie Ventura, who told the court she feared for her safety if he were released.
Ventura’s attorneys, Douglas Wigdor and Meredith Firetog from Wigdor LLP, issued a statement to the Caller immediately following the sentencing hearing.
“While nothing can undo the trauma caused by Combs, the sentence imposed today recognizes the impact of the serious offenses he committed,” they said.
“We are confident that with the support of her family and friends, Ms. Ventura will continue healing knowing that her bravery and fortitude have been an inspiration to so many.”
The sentencing closes a high-profile saga that has unfolded with repeated twists and drawn global attention.
Editor’s Note: This piece was updated with a statement from Ventura’s attorneys.
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He has a long history of legal offenses. It isn’t as if this were a one-time offense. And if it were “just” prostitution, I would think fifty months harsh. But there is a lot more to it than just that.
And bringing your kids in to court as emotional leverage is tacky and low.