Sean “Diddy” Combs was sentenced to 50 months behind bars by a federal judge Friday, after being convicted on a pair of prostitution-related charges three months ago but escaping racketeering charges which could have put him behind bars for life.
Jeffrey Lichtman, a criminal defense attorney who represented Combs’ son, Justin, told The Hills’ sister station NewsNation that Combs will serve “in one of the worst prisons in America.”
Lichtman said, “Today’s dog and pony show — while interesting and funny at times — didn’t move the judge at all, as he surely had in his mind before he came onto the bench today that he was giving Combs 50 months. Not a horrible sentence at all, but time served was never a realistic prospect,” he said.
“At the end of the day, as bad as Combs’ behavior was, it never was clear what federal laws he violated, if any, the attorney added. “And 50 months in jail, a lot of it in one of the worst prisons in America, is a really serious punishment.”
The rapper was charged on counts of transportation to engage in prostitution under the Mann Act — which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison per count. He was found not guilty of racketeering and sex trafficking.
Douglas H. Wigdor, the attorney for Combs’ ex-partner Casanda “Cassie” Ventura, said Friday after sentencing that, “This entire criminal process started when our client Cassie Ventura had the courage to file her civil complaint in November 2023.”
Ventura was the prosecution’s star witness. While pregnant, Ventura took the stand for multiple days during the trial.
“Although the jury did not find Combs guilty of sex trafficking Cassie beyond a reasonable doubt, she paved the way for a jury to find him guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution,” Wigdor said. “By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice.”
“She displayed unquestionable strength and brought attention to the realities of powerful men in our orbit and the misconduct that has persisted for decades without repercussion,” the lawyer continued. “This case proved that change is long overdue, and we will continue to fight on behalf of survivors.”
Arick Fudali, an attorney at The Bloom Firm that represents Combs’ accusers, former Danity Kane member Dawn Richard and a client referred to as “John Doe,” was in court when Combs’ sentencing was announced.
Fudali told NewsNation, “I was particularly encouraged by the Judge’s centering of his sentencing and the focus of his decision on the victims. The defense put up a very robust presentation, which included 5 different attorneys, a PR video with musical backing, and Mr. Combs’ own statement.
“I thought it was appropriate for the prosecution to point out that despite the length of time defense spent on their presentation, that they barely mentioned the victims,” he continued. “This is not about Mr. Combs, this is about the victims, both his victims and victims of abuse and violence everywhere. On behalf of my clients, we are encouraged that Mr. Combs has been sentenced to additional prison time and look forward to litigating our civil suits against him.”
Fudali added that Combs’ sentence shows he “will be held accountable.”
“I am also encouraged that this sentence shows that despite Mr. Combs’ enormous wealth, notoriety, and resources, that he will be held accountable in prison due to the detriment he inflicted on his victims’ lives, and I truly hope this encourages other victims currently suffering in silence to come forward,” the lawyer added.
Tamara Holder, a women’s rights and sexual abuse attorney based in Chicago, echoed a similar sentiment.
“Judge Subramanian’s sentence of Diddy was legally fair. Although, many victims’ rights advocates may be upset that it was ‘not harsh enough,’ the prosecution only secured a guilty verdict on two counts of transporting individuals (Cassie Ventura and Jane Doe) for prostitution, failing to prove the RICO and trafficking charges,” Holder said.
“While Diddy will likely appeal, arguing the sentence is too harsh, Judge Subramanian’s words in court were very clear: “…You irreparably harmed two women…the conduct occurred over a decade … because you had the power and resources to keep it going,” she continued. “This sentence delivers a powerful message to those in positions of power within society — including actors, musicians, agents, and producers — that abusing women will result in proper punishment.”
Lichtman said it is highly likely that Combs will not serve out his full 50-month sentence behind bars.
He estimated that “85% is 42.5 months. Five months for a halfway house,” Lichtman said. “My guess is he will be out in about 18 months. Two years tops.”
The prosecution sought for the imprisoned hip-hop mogul to receive a minimum of 11 years in jail, saying Combs is “unrepentant.”