P. Diddy has been sentenced to 50 months in federal prison after being found guilty of offences linked to prostitution.
The music producer and entrepreneur received a four-year and two-month federal sentence (exactly 50 months) after being convicted of transporting individuals across state lines for the purpose of prostitution. The sentence, handed down on Friday, 3 October, marks the end of a judicial process that exposed abuses of power within the entertainment industry.
Although he was acquitted of the more serious charges of organised crime conspiracy and sex trafficking — which could have resulted in a life sentence — Judge Arun Subramanian underscored the gravity of the offences for which he was convicted, including the testimony of his former partner Cassie Ventura. “Abuse against women must face real consequences,” the magistrate stated during the hearing.
The conviction falls under the well-known Mann Act, a federal law that criminalises the transportation of individuals for the purpose of prostitution. The judge described P. Diddy’s conduct as “serious offences that irreparably harmed two women,” referring to the violent incidents reported by the victims. He also added: “Violence behind closed doors does not need to remain hidden.”
P. Diddy, who has already spent over a year in federal custody, will receive credit for time served, meaning he is likely to spend just over three more years in prison. He was also fined $500,000 and will remain under supervised probation for five years after leaving prison. In his final statement before the court, the artist apologised for his actions, calling them “disgusting, shameful and sick,” although prosecutors pointed out that his later behaviour showed “an absolute lack of remorse.”
The sentence stands between the eleven years requested by the prosecution and the immediate release sought by his defence. With this ruling, the court sends a clear message: neither fame nor power exempts anyone from accountability.
