Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is set to be sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian following his conviction on two federal counts of transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution. The sentencing marks the dramatic conclusion of a months-long trial that captivated the nation and exposed disturbing allegations of abuse, coercion, and misconduct.
Combs, 55, was acquitted in July of the most serious charges—sex trafficking and racketeering—which could have resulted in a life sentence. However, the two remaining counts each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Federal prosecutors are urging the court to impose a sentence of at least 11 years, citing Combs as “unrepentant” and a continuing public threat.
Defense attorneys have requested a significantly lighter sentence of 14 months, arguing that Combs has already served time in custody at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center since his arrest in September 2024. They submitted letters of support and a personal plea from Combs, who expressed remorse and described his incarceration as transformative.
“The old me died in jail and a new version of me was reborn,” Combs wrote. “Prison will change you or kill you — I choose to live.”
The court is also reviewing victim impact statements, including one from singer Casandra Ventura, known as Cassie, who testified about years of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse during her relationship with Combs. Ventura described being coerced into “freak-offs”—sexual marathons orchestrated and filmed by Combs—and recounted a 2016 incident where courtroom footage showed him violently assaulting her.
“People watched this footage dozens of times, seeing my body thrown to the ground,” Ventura wrote. “I have nightmares and flashbacks on a regular, everyday basis.”