Here's What the Judge Told Sean 'Diddy' Combs Before Sending Him to Prison By Elizabeth Rosner, Janelle Griffith, and Samira Asma-Sadeque

Judge Arun Subramanian addressed Sean “Diddy” Combs on Friday, Oct. 3, before sentencing him to 50 months in prison for his two prostitution-related convictions.

With credit for time served, Combs has 36 months left to serve. Combs was also fined $500,000 and sentenced to five years of supervised release.

While acknowledging that the music mogul has an “impressive” record of being a “celebrated” and “iconic” artist, he said Combs’ history of rampant sexual and physical violence warrant a “substantial sentence.”

Subramanian said he rejected the defense’s attempt to characterize the Combs’ “freak offs” — choreographed sex parties — as “merely intimate, consensual experiences or just a ‘sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll’ story.”

The judge added that given the prevalence of sexual violence in society, “a substantial sentence must be given to send a message to abusers and victims alike that abuse against women is met with real accountability.”

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The judge also said he wanted to address Casandra “Cassie” Ventura and Combs’ ex-girlfriend who testified under the pseudonym of “Jane,” as well as other victims of Combs’ violence.

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“To Ms. Ventura and the other brave survivors that came forward, I want to say first, we heard you,” Subramanian said. “I know your families are proud of you, and your children, when they are old enough, will be proud of you. And I am proud of you for coming to the Court to tell the world what really happened.”

The judge also addressed Combs before he adjourned court for the day.

“I know you feel like you are in a dark place now, but these crimes were serious ones, and your violence, coercion, and abuse have had devastating consequences for the women involved, women who loved and depend on you,” Subramanian said. 

He told Combs that based on the many letters that his supporters submitted to the court ahead of his sentencing, he has “a universe of” people who love him.

“You and your family, you are going to get through this,” Subramanian said. “There is a light at the end of the tunnel.”

The judge advised Combs to allow his family and supporters to uplift him, and he encouraged him to do good for survivors of domestic violence. 

“We all have voices,” Subramanian said. “You have a megaphone.” 

Combs was looking downward and had his hands folded or clasped in his lap as the judge issued his sentence.

Minutes before, Combs begged the judge for mercy, while apologizing to his ex-girlfriends. He called his behavior “disgusting, shameful and sick.”

If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.