These Are The Highlights From The Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Sentencing
Music mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs was sentenced to 50 months in prison today for crimes related to prostitution. Judge Arun Subramanian also imposed the maximum $500,000 fine as an additional punishment.
The verdict landed between the 14 months requested by the defense and the 11 years requested by the prosecution, which Judge Subramanian found “not reasonable”.
As he addressed the court today, he spoke to key points in the trial, as well as the day’s testimony specific to the sentencing. Here are all of the key highlights you need to know. Quotes come from live coverage from The New York Times.
1.
Judge Subramanian acknowledged that he had considered Combs’ status as a “self-made artist” as well as his philanthropic work and personal struggles with drug addiction. He added, “However, the court has to consider all of your history here”, before going on to say, “a history of good works can’t wash away the record in this case, which shows that you abused the power and control over the lives of women who you professed to love.”
2.
Judge Subramanian addressed the severity of the victim’s suffering, including Combs’ history of physical abuse, saying, “This was subjugation, and it drove both Ms. Ventura and Jane to thoughts of ending their lives.”
3.
Of the Mann Act, which prohibits the transportation across state or international lines for the purpose of sex trafficking, Judge Subramanian said the related convictions are for “serious offenses that irreparably harmed two women.”
4.
Judge Subramanian also acknowledged the fact that Combs had perpetrated violence against a second girlfriend, Jane, following the graphic beating of Cassie Ventura caught on hotel security cameras. He said, “The court is not assured that if released these crimes will not be committed again.”
5.
As he prepared to deliver the sentence, Judge Subramanian said a substantial one was required “to send a message to abusers and victims alike that exploitation and violence against women is met with real accountability.” He acknowledged that the defense’s request for 14 months didn’t meet those requirements, while the prosecution’s request for 11 years was “not reasonable”.
6.
In relation to the $500,000 fine, Judge Subramanian said he considered Combs’ “immense financial resources” and how they “enabled his crimes.”
