American music mogul Sean “P Diddy” Combs has been sentenced to four years in prison after being found guilty of offences related to prostitution.
The verdict was handed down by a United States federal court on Friday, bringing to a dramatic close months of legal proceedings that have attracted global attention.
Prosecutors accused the 54-year-old rap icon and entrepreneur of running a criminal enterprise that facilitated prostitution, exploiting young women under the guise of music and entertainment ventures. The court found that Combs not only profited from the illicit activities but also used his influence in the entertainment industry to cover up the operations.
Delivering judgment, the presiding judge said Combs’ conduct represented “a grave abuse of power and trust,” stressing that no amount of fame or wealth placed him above the law.
Combs, dressed in a dark suit, remained expressionless as the sentence was read. His legal team, however, vowed to appeal the ruling, describing it as “a miscarriage of justice.”
The case has sparked widespread reactions across the United States and beyond, with fans and industry stakeholders expressing shock at the downfall of one of hip-hop’s most influential figures.
Authorities say Combs will begin serving his sentence immediately in a federal correctional facility.
