Judge Arun Subramanian has been collecting letters, statements, and requests related to Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs for two weeks. At a court hearing last week, Combs seemed chill, and he told his mother and children that he is “getting closer to going home.” His defense team pushed for a lenient sentence and even tried to get the convictions overturned. The judge shut down that request late Tuesday. And today (October 3), trial watchers FINALLY learned whether Diddy is going to prison or if he will be home for the holidays.
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Judge Sends Diddy To Prison For 4 Years & Explains Why
Judge Subramanian sentenced Sean Combs to 50 months, which is four years and two months, in prison for two counts of violating the Mann Act. Since Diddy has already served a year in prison, this sentence means he will be released in about three years. Following his time behind bars, the judge sentenced Combs to another five years of supervised release. Additionally, the judge imposed a $500,000 fine against him, the maximum amount allowed.
The judge said Combs needed a lengthy sentence for deterrence. He was also not convinced that if he released Combs, these crimes would not happen again.
“I’ve considered the fact that you are a self-made artist and businessman who has innovated, inspired and lifted up communities, including communities of color, worldwide,” the judge said.
Subramanian also said he appreciates the family’s statements about how the sentence will impact them. He said he also appreciates that addiction “may have exacerbated [Diddy’s] violent and erratic behavior over the years.” All this said, “a history of good works can’t wash away the record of this case,” the judge said. Moreover, the evidence, per the judge, shows Diddy abused and controlled women in his life.
“The evidence of abuse with respect to freak-offs and hotel nights is massive.”
During sentencing, Subramanian rejected the defense’s argument that the case was the result of consensual sexual conduct and a celebrity musician’s lifestyle.
“You had the power and the resources to keep it going, and because you weren’t caught. You paid for and organized these acts. You were no John. You were responsible for that, even if your currency was sexual desires and not money,” the judge said.
Subramanian also called out Sean Combs for his persistent violence. He specifically highlighted Diddy assaulting “Jane” just last year. That incident happened after Diddy knew he was under federal investigation.
“This is hard time in prison, away from your family, friends and community, but you will have a life afterward,” the judge told Diddy.
Diddy reportedly showed no visible change in his expression as the judge announced his sentence. Instead, per AP, he looked straight ahead and turned to his family to say, “I’m sorry.” It’s worth noting that Combs can appeal his convictions by filing notice within 14 days. His lawyers have already said they will.
Judge Sends Message To Cassie & “Jane”
After addressing Diddy, Judge Arun Subramanian praised the “brave survivors” who came forward. He said they shared “horrific” but “stories of courage.” He added, “We heard you.” The judge singled out Cassie and “Jane,” and the other women who testified.
“I am proud of you for coming to the court to tell the world what really happened,” he said.
Then, he turned to Sean Combs for a final warning about his second chance. “We all have voices, but you have a megaphone,” the judge told Combs, saying he has a chance to show the world what “real accountability” and change can be.
“I’m counting on you to make the most of your second chance,” the judge said.
Judge Was Tough Leading Up To The Final Decision
At the start of today’s hearing, Judge Arun Subramanian quickly revealed his sentencing mindset. He considered arguments and objections from the defense and prosecutors. And, he also reviewed the advisory sentence that the court’s probation department recommended: 70 to 87 months in prison. He accepted the advisory sentence.
Additionally, the judge had ruled that Diddy’s behavior and acts tied to his acquitted charges would be considered. He was also considering trial evidence about the transportation of Cassie, “Jane” and male escorts to engage in sex acts. While he acknowledged that Diddy felt some remorse, the judge also called out his objections to his convictions. Arun claimed that Diddy is not accepting responsibility for his factual guilt.
Earlier this week, the judge declined to overturn Diddy’s convictions. He shut down the defense’s argument that Diddy was an amateur pornographer, rather than engaging in prostitution. The judge also pushed back against the defense’s claims that Combs’ First Amendment rights had been violated.
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