Sean 'Diddy' Combs, one of the most influential figures in the hip-hop industry, was sentenced to four years and two months in prison for transporting people across state lines for illegal sexual encounters.
Since Combs has already spent one year in jail, he could be released in about three years. Though the prosecutors sought a lengthier sentence of over 11 years, Combs's lawyers argued for his immediate release, citing his remorse and sobriety during his time in prison.
In July this year, Combs was found guilty of transporting his girlfriends and male sex workers across the country for drug-fuelled sexual encounters, in several locations over many years. Importantly, he was found not guilty of sex trafficking and racketeering, which are more serious charges that could have resulted in a life sentence.
US District Judge Arun Subramanian asked Combs during sentencing, "Why did this go on for so long?", and answered his own question saying, "because you had the power and the resources to keep it going, and because you weren't caught."
Prosecutor Christy Slavik emphasised that a light sentence would excuse years of violence, describing the case as being about a man who committed "horrible things to real people to satisfy his own sexual gratification," using control as his "currency".
Judge Subramanian also ordered Combs to pay a $500,000 fine, which is the highest amount allowed. He praised the victims who testified in court, and said they spoke for "countless others who experienced abuse".
"You gave them a voice. You stood up to power," he said.
As the judge spoke, Combs sat at the defence table, quiet and looking downcast. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry," he told his family just before leaving the courtroom.
Combs's legal team announced it will appeal the sentence.
After leaving court, defence lawyer Marc Agnifilo told reporters, "What we feel today is that the judge acted as a 13th juror, one we did not choose, and that he second guessed the jury's verdict."
