Music and business mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is set to be sentenced on October 3, 2025, following his conviction last week on two federal counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. The announcement was made Tuesday by a U.S. federal judge, marking a dramatic moment in the ongoing legal saga surrounding one of hip-hop’s most iconic and polarizing figures.
The charges stem from allegations that Combs arranged for male escorts to engage in sex acts with his girlfriends during lavish and secretive encounters dubbed “freak-offs” and “hotel nights.” While the jury acquitted him on the more severe charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, the conviction still carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years—10 years for each count.
According to federal prosecutors, Diddy’s conduct involved not only solicitation but also interstate coordination of paid sexual activity. Though he denied the allegations throughout the eight-week trial, witness testimonies, phone records, and travel documentation reportedly swayed the jury toward a guilty verdict on the lesser—but still serious—prostitution-related counts.
Sentencing guidelines proposed by prosecutors suggest that Combs could serve between 51 and 63 months (approximately 4.25 to 5.25 years), although the prosecution may push for a longer sentence. Legal experts note that federal judges rarely impose the maximum penalties unless aggravating factors are proven beyond the base offense.
Notably, Combs will receive credit for time served. By the time of sentencing in October, the embattled artist will have already spent one full year behind bars, which will be deducted from any sentence handed down.
While the conviction is a major blow to Diddy’s reputation and brand, being acquitted of the sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges has spared him from what could have been a lifetime prison sentence and irreversible damage to his legacy. However, the remaining charges are far from minor.
The case has shaken the entertainment industry, particularly because of Diddy’s long-standing image as a powerful entrepreneur who transitioned from hip-hop producer to global brand ambassador with ventures spanning fashion, liquor, and media. Many companies have paused or severed ties with his brand pending the outcome of the sentencing.
Combs and his legal team have signaled their intent to appeal the conviction, maintaining his innocence and framing the prosecution as a coordinated attack on his character and legacy. In a post-trial statement, his lawyers said:
“Mr. Combs respects the court’s decision but remains firm in his stance that he is innocent of all wrongdoing.”
As the October 3 sentencing date approaches, all eyes will remain on the courtroom. Whether Diddy receives a mid-range sentence or prosecutors push for a harsher outcome, the next chapter in this high-profile case is certain to make headlines around the world.