Sean “Diddy” Combs, the 55-year-old American music mogul, will appeal a Friday, October 3 ruling that saw him sentenced to 50 months in federal prison after being convicted on two prostitution-related charges.
Combs’ Lawyer Marc Agnifilo told BBC’s Nada Tawfik that the judge, in ruling that the sexual encounters in the case were not consensual, acted erroneously as the 13th juror.
The laywers argument emanate from a July 12, 2025 development whn 12 New York jurors acquitted Combs of sex trafficking and racketeering charges, but found him guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution involving his two ex-girlfriends, Cassandra Ventura and “Jane”.
“We think that’s just absolutely inconsistent with the jury’s verdict. I mean, the jury’s verdict was resoundingly clear. There was no sex trafficking, there was no racketeering. Everything was consensual, everything was adult, which is why he was convicted only of the prostitution offence,” Agnifilo told Tawfik.
“What we feel happened today was that the judge acted as a 13th juror – one that we did not choose, and that he second guessed the jury’s verdict.”
Combs’ sentencing
The sentencing, delivered by U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian in New York City, also includes five years of supervised release and a $500,000 fine.
Combs, who had been in custody since his arrest in September 2024, will receive credit for the 13 months he has already served.
His defense team had urged the court to impose no more than 14 months, while prosecutors pushed for over 11 years.
Ultimately, Judge Subramanian said the 50-month sentence reflected both the seriousness of Combs’ crimes and mitigating factors.
Before delivering the sentence, Judge Subramanian acknowledged Combs’ legacy as a “self-made artist” who inspired and supported communities, particularly youth in New York City.
However, he stressed that the case evidence was “massive,” citing images of “gashes, bruises, broken doors,” and a disturbing video involving singer Cassie Ventura.
He ruled that a longer sentence was necessary for deterrence.
In an emotional statement before sentencing, Combs apologized to Ventura, Jane Doe, and survivors of domestic violence.
He admitted to drug abuse, personal failings, and letting down his family and community. “I hate myself right now. I’ve been stripped down to nothing. I want to apologize to my seven children… You deserve better,” he said tearfully.
Despite his pleas, Judge Subramanian rejected Combs’ request for acquittal or a new trial.
He was acquitted in July of the more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy but found guilty on the Mann Act violations.
Combs showed no visible reaction when the sentence was read.
The ruling marks a dramatic fall for one of hip-hop’s most powerful figures, once at the helm of a global music and fashion empire.
