Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Sentenced To More Than 4 Years In Prison After Emotional Plea To Judge For Mercy

Sean “Diddy” Combs will remain behind bars. The music mogul was sentenced to more than four years in prison and a $500,000 fine on Oct. 3, months after being found guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. He was acquitted on more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. Prosecutors had asked for 11 years, while the defense had argued Combs should receive a maximum of 14 months including time served, which would have meant an almost immediate release. Combs learned his fate in a New York City court after asking for leniency in a four-page letter expressing remorse for his violent past, and in a 12-minute home video the defense presented that highlighted his devotion to fatherhood and charity work. In direct remarks to the judge, he said, per CNN, “I beg your honor for mercy” while issuing further apologies to domestic violence victims and his own accusers including Cassie Ventura, whom he was seen physically abusing in now-infamous 2016 surveillance footage. Family members from Combs’ mother to six of his seven children were present for the hearing, with the children addressing the court as a group on their father’s behalf, many of them reportedly sobbing as Combs himself shed tears while they spoke. In his announcement, Judge Arun Subramanian explained that “a substantial sentence must be given to send a message to abusers and victims alike that abuse against women is met with real accountability.” Ventura’s attorney reacted to the sentencing in a statement to NBC News which read, “While nothing can undo the trauma caused by Combs, the sentence imposed today recognizes the impact of the serious offenses he committed. 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.”