On this day in 2025, Sean “Diddy” Combs went before a judge for his sentencing hearing. This came on the heels of his own conviction for transporting prostitutes to cut drugs to create sexual performances. This highly publicized, high-stakes case has gained the interest of the entire country. People are understandably fixated on the weighty allegations and the riveting, damning testimony heard throughout this trial. He has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, a jail run by the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, since his arrest in September 2024.
Once the proceedings got underway, Combs was brought from the federal jail to the courthouse, where highly charged scenes played out. Members of Combs’ family, including his children and mother, Janice Combs, arrived to show their support during this challenging time. The courtroom crackled with energy as victims’ advocates packed the room. Among them was attorney Gloria Allred, a longtime and tireless advocate for abuse survivors.
In pre-sentencing deliberations, the prosecution filed multiple victim impact statements. Yet Combs’ ex partner Cassie Ventura, — now known as just Cassie — gave a hauntingly powerful description on the stand. She gave testimony about the weeks of trauma he put her through. Ventura shared that Combs constantly instructed her to perform “nasty” sexual acts on random customers. This abusive cycle played out hundreds of times over their 10-year relationship.
The seriousness of the case was evident by strong, persuasive testimonies from multiple listed witnesses. Perhaps most important is rapper Kid Cudi’s explosive testimony about how Combs once broke into his home upon finding out that he was dating Ventura. One friend of Ventura’s who testified to the jury that Combs once dangled her from a 17th-floor balcony. This brutal act helped cement the climate of fear and violence that characterized their union.
Prosecutors vigorously argued for a low end of 135 months, which is 11 years and 3 months. They further noted that Combs has repeatedly made statements expressing a lack of remorse for what happened. They described him as “unrepentant” and highlighted the intimidation tactics that were used against witnesses. Probation officials said Combs likely would be subject to a guideline range of as much as seven years and three months. He was convicted on nine of ten counts of transporting people for prostitution under the Mann Act, each count punishable by up to 10 years.
Combs’ legal representation had filed a motion to allow Combs to wear “non-prison clothing” during the hearing. They were hoping to get him to class it up a little and make him look more official.
Ventura’s testimony resonated deeply during the proceedings. She stated, “The jury didn’t understand or believe that I engaged in freak-offs because of the violence and intimidation exerted by the defendant…I was living proof that this was the case, and his sentence should represent the truth of the evidence and my experience as a victim.” She unequivocally expressed concerns for her own physical safety. She expressed her fear of retaliation by Combs if he was let out. “I am so scared that if he walks free, his first actions will be swift retribution towards me and others who spoke up about his abuse,” she said.
In her statement delivered through Allred, Ventura implored the court to consider the truths that she felt the jury overlooked: “I hope that your decision considers the truths at hand that the jury failed to see.” Allred agreed, saying, “What I’d like to see today is justice for the victims.”
Donald Trump himself joined the fray regarding the case, reminiscing on his former friendship with Combs. He made a point about how quickly we forget and abandon public support for things. When you know someone and you think their views are great, then they decide to run for office and just start opening their mouths and just saying horrible things. That makes it even tougher for me.”
Even more notable, Combs himself released statements about his incarceration. Her past self “died in jail and a new version of me was reborn. Prison softens you, eventually prison kills you – I refuse to die,” he told the courtroom. He doubled down on this change of priorities, adding, “I don’t care about the money or the fame. Nothing is more precious to me than my family.”
As the hearing proceeded, it was apparent that this case is about more than legal proceedings. It brings to the fore essential societal questions regarding abuse of power and accountability. While that decision will deeply impact Combs, it will be an important day for victims pursuing accountability to feel justice served.