Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was sentenced Friday to 50 months in prison on prostitution charges under the Mann Act.
Combs was convicted earlier this year on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian said the court had seen a “massive” amount of evidence against Combs and added that a significant sentence was required to be a deterrence and to send a message, per BBC.
“A substantial sentence must be given to send a message to abusers and victims alike that abuse against women is met with real accountability,” the judge said, per CNN.
Along with serving four years and two months in prison, Combs also must pay a $500,000 fine.
In his final remarks to Combs, Subramanian noted that he will still have a life after prison, adding “there is a light at the end of the tunnel.”
After the judge read his sentence, Combs appeared dejected and worn out as he turned to his mother and children, letting out a sigh and telling them, “I’m sorry. I’m sorry,” per The Associated Press.
Subramanian cited law that says no limitation can be placed on the “background, character and conduct” that a judge can consider in sentencing. He said the sentence is fair for the severity of Combs’ crimes and other mitigating factors.
During Combs’ sentencing hearing, the judge heard from the rapper’s children as well as multiple defense lawyers and other character witnesses.
The defense argued that Combs should be free for his family’s sake and that he has changed and deserves a second chance to be better.
According to the AP, defense lawyer Brian Steel argued that “Combs has punished himself more than anyone will be able to punish him and it will stay with him for the rest of his days. Mr. Combs does not need any additional time in custody. That is not the way we treat drug addiction and trauma today.”
Before the judge gave his sentence, Combs was given a chance to speak, saying that he has lost his business, his career, destroyed his reputation and lost his self-respect.
‘I’ve been stripped down to nothing,” he added.
“I want to thank you for finally giving me a chance to speak up for myself. One of the hardest things I’ve had to handle is to be quiet, not able to express how sorry I am for my actions,” Combs said, per the AP.
Combs was sentenced under the Mann Act, which makes it illegal to transport someone across state lines for the purpose of prostitution or other illegal sex acts, per the AP. He was convicted on counts involving two former girlfriends, R&B singer Cassie and a woman who testified under the pseudonym Jane.
During the sentencing hearing, federal prosecutors argued that the hip-hop mogul deserved at least 11 years in prison and his defense lawyers asked for a sentence of no more than 14 months, per CNN.