American rap icon Sean Combs, widely known as "Diddy", has been sentenced to 50 months in prison and fined US$500,000 after being found guilty on two counts of transportation for prostitution. The sentencing was delivered by US District Judge Arun Subramanian following a one-day hearing in Manhattan federal court.
During the proceedings, Judge Subramanian detailed how Diddy allegedly exploited his fame and power to "dominate" his victims. Diddy, whose expression remained blank throughout the judge's 20-minute statement, later turned to his family and friends in the courtroom and appeared to mouth the words: "I love you, I'm sorry."
In an earlier trial on July 2, Diddy was convicted of two prostitution-related charges, each carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years. However, he was acquitted of more severe charges, including one count of racketeering and two counts of sex trafficking, which could have resulted in life imprisonment.
Prosecutors had accused Diddy of orchestrating a decades-long criminal enterprise, directing loyal employees and bodyguards to commit numerous crimes at his command. Despite the convictions, Diddy has denied all allegations. His legal team described the outcome as a partial victory and maintained that their client did not engage in any sexual misconduct.
The final sentencing hearing is scheduled for October, with a bail request denied earlier by the court. Prosecutors insisted that Diddy remain in custody until the conclusion of all sentencing proceedings.
In a related development, former Death Row Records CEO Suge Knight had suggested in May that if Diddy were found guilty, US President Donald Trump might consider issuing him a pardon.
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Sean 'Diddy' Combs acquitted of sex trafficking, convicted on two lesser counts
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