LIVE UPDATES: Diddy Sentencing Hearing – Minute By Minute Transcripts
Today is the day. Sean “Diddy” Combs faces his long-awaited sentencing in federal court, and Media Take Out will be bringing you every detail — LIVE.
We’ll be posting minute-by-minute transcripts straight from the courtroom as the judge, prosecutors, and Diddy’s defense team speak. Expect full coverage of the atmosphere, the key exchanges, and of course, the judge’s final decision.
Diddy’s legal team has asked for a sentence of 14 months — essentially time served. Prosecutors are expected to push back hard, and there’s even speculation that former President Donald Trump’s orbit may be watching closely, with whispers of a potential commutation if things don’t go Diddy’s way.
This is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about sentencing hearings in hip hop and entertainment history.
Stay tuned — we’ll be updating this story LIVE, minute by minute, with every statement and every ruling straight from the courtroom.
10:05 am – Judge’s clerk: Are we ready to proceed? Was that Mr. Donaldson who just went back into the holding cell? Yes.
[DIDDY BEING BROUGHT INTO THE COURTROOM]
10:11 am – Sean Combs is brought in, in white shirt. He puts his papers under the table, leans back and blows a kiss to the gallery: his mother. Brian Steel standing next to him, whispering in his ear
Judge: I’ve received the defense’s reply memo of Oct 2, and the letter from Mr. Combs and the video the defense plans to play here in court. I appreciated the letters. I’ve received the Government’s letters from Ms. Ventura and others, I appreciate them
Combs’ Alexandra: We’re going to submit a course evaluation from MDC-
AUSA Slavik: We don’t have a copy.
Judge: Please give her one.
AUSA Slavik: Mia no longer wishes to address the court here today – in part due to the letter submitted by the defense, bullying
AUSA Slavik: We think the defense’s letter violated your Honor’s rules
Judge: I thought the tone was inappropriate and it should not happen again. Anyone beyond Mr. Combs?
Combs’ Steel: The Reverend, and Mr. Combs’ children will come up and stand together
Combs’ Steel: Also Giovanni from the program-
Judge: Ms. Slavik?
AUSA Slavik: Rule 32 only applies to the parties and victims. The Court is within its rights to exclude character witnesses. 940 F.3d 167, Judge Furman has used this to limit defense witnesses.
Judge: But I can allow them, correct? As I overruled the defense wanting to exclude Mia?
AUSA Slavik: Within your discretion.
Judge: Mr. Steel, OK for the children and Doctor Johnson Steel: Reverend Doctor
Judge: I’ll think about the others
Judge: Now, as to the objections. The defense says acquitted conduct cannot be considered. There is no guidance from any court on this. We don’t know what the jury was thinking. But it’s about overlapping conduct. And it only impacts the advisory guidelines range
Judge: Acquitted conduct can be considered, see US v. Vaughn, 2d Circuit and other cases. Even matters that cannot be considered for the guidelines can be considered under 3553(a). Now, the US objections: they argue for the criminal sexual abuse guideline
Judge: There is little precedent on what type of threat is required. But bodily harm makes most sense – concrete harms – to force Jane and Ms. Ventura to engage in sex acts. Does this conduct establish the convicted conduct? There was the flight from Cannes…
Judge: Did that meet the requirement of bodily harm threat? There was evidence of that in the case, with respect to the hotel nights and freak offs. But in light of the Constitutional questions raised, the Court declines to apply the cross-references. But 3553(a)
Judge: Since I can consider it under 3553(a), it does not impact the sentence. Next, Mr. Combs marking of pads as “Legal,” that was troubling. But the intention is not clear. The government could have pushed to clarify it. So I will not apply the enhancement.
Judge: The Government objects to Probation not considering Jane and Ms. Ventura as vulnerable victims. I overrule this. What made Combs’ coercion effective was their condition – anyway, the Court would reach the same conclusion. Now, Mr. Combs’ objections…
Judge: Mr. Combs objects to characterizing Ms. Ventura and Jane as victim. That is overruled. Mr. Combs also objects to the escorts were characterized as victims. That is also overruled. They were transported for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex
Judge: There was Jules, and Paul, and Cabral,Jules, Reggie, and Rico… As to coercion, when something if voluntarily it is uncompelled- that is from Black’s Law Dictionary. It’s a broad concept. The threat to release videos, and to Jane’s home, that’s coercion
Judge: Mr. Combs said he was paying for time, not sex. That is contradicted by reality. He has not expressed remorse for transporting people for prostitution. Combs has challenged his guilty full throatedly, including after trial.
Judge: Mr. Combs wants to apply the zero point offender provision from 2023 – but 2024 on other issues. That is not possible, under 2d Circuit’s One Book rule. Next, Mr. Combs objects to the $5000 assessment under the statute because there are no victims. Denied.
Judge: I have the forfeiture order – is this your signature Mr. Combs? Combs: Yes, sir. Judge: Mr. Steel, did you review it? Combs’ Teny Geragos: I did. Judge: I incorporate the order into the judgment in this case
Judge: All remaining objections are overruled Combs’ Geragos: Although you say some points don’t impact your sentence. It might impact his eligibility for “Low” categorization if you impose an incarceratory sentence Judge: We can address that Geragos: If necessary
Combs’ Alexandra Shapiro: I’d like to make some more points. We briefed extensively- Judge: 380 pages Shapiro: We raised due process, the fairness concerns set forth by Justice Sotomayor, we believe militate for our interpretation and preclude the court under 3553
Combs’ Shapiro: I wanted to preserve this for appeal, should there be an appeal of your sentence.
Judge: It is preserved. The PSR says the offense level is 27, I agree with that. The criminal history category is 1. That leads to a guideline of 70 to 87 months
Judge: I’ll hear from the Government.
AUSA Slavik: I’d like to respond after the defense, as well… Today is about accountability and justice. For 15 years. The victims’ lives have been shattered by abuse and exploitation
AUSA Slavik: This is not just a case about freak offs and hotel rooms. This is about victims hard, about a man who did horrible things to other people. His currency was control. He weaponized it. All of the 3553 factor point to at least 135 months
AUSA Slavik: This is not just a case about freak offs and hotel rooms. This is about victims hard, about a man who did horrible things to other people. His currency was control. He weaponized it. All of the 3553 factor point to at least 135 months
AUSA Slavik: The defense accuses us of seeking 135 months so that the court splits the difference. We think Probation’s recommendation of 60 months does not account sufficiently for the harm to Cassie and Jane.
AUSA Slavik: The defendant tries to argue this is just a sex, drugs & rock n’ roll lifestyle. But this is a case about transportation for prostitution AND violence. The defendant admitted to the violence at trial. The defendant’s respect for the law is lip service
AUSA Slavik: Mr. Combs has booked speaking engagements for Miami for NEXT WEEK. That is the height of hubris… He did this for 15 years. He was responsible for transporting many escorts. That’s a lot of freak offs and a lot of hotel nights. He knew it was illegal
AUSA Slavik: Even in cases that decline to apply the cross-reference, significant sentences are handed down, including in this District.
Judge Subramanian: In Jordan, the defendant had been convicted and imprisoned in Cuba in the years prior, am I correct, & that’s why Judge Cronan varied upwards? AUSA Slavik: That is correct. As well as the other factors Judge: So there is a distinguishing feature
AUSA Slavik: There also a case by Judge [Kimba] Wood. Mann Act cases with fear, violence and threats routinely get significant sentences. This is not a simple transportation case – but it has major aggravators. As to Cassie, he hit het and stomped on her
AUSA Slavik: The video from the LA hotel was played many times at trial and it never got easier. As to Jane, he punched her, he slapped her, a little over a year ago when he knew he was under Federal investigation. At trial they said they owned the violence
AUSA Slavik: Admitting to violence in front of the jury as part of a trial strategy is not accountability. Freak offs were extended performances of sexual degradation and humiliation. Cassie and Jane did not want to have sex with strangers. He made them do it
AUSA Slavik: He had an escort urinate in Cassie’s mouth until she choked. Her victim impact statement makes clear she still has nightmare and flashbacks, and the scars on her body. Jane’s text make clear her anguish and trauma
AUSA Slavik: Mia said she got PTSD and anxiety. Deonte Nash said he was caused lasting damage. Capricorn Clark says he blacklisted her once she spoke up. [Chef] Jourdan Atkinson wrote how she was impacted. It was real and serious.
AUSA Slavik: He downplays the abuse, calling it “rare” – but it was not rare. Cassie’s testimony was that he was violent with her at any time. It was not mutual. You saw no photos of the defendant with injuries.
Combs’ Driscoll: That defendant, Riggs, got 24 months. It was more heinous than this case. 3553(a)(6) says to avoid unwarranted sentencing disparities. I’ve read all 900 Mann Act cases available on PACER. His case is different.
Judge: Who’s next? Ms. Westmoreland
Combs’ Westmoreland: I want to focus on the inspiration Mr. Combs has given throughout his life. And on the commitment he made while in the MDC. Mr Combs was successful. But he used it to help others. He touched many more lives than I can cover in the next minutes
Combs’ Westmoreland: There were not many black owned labels. Mr. Combs had the audacity. It sent a message that You can do it. Clothing, too. It was not just urban street wear. It was upscale. It bought unity. It inspired change.
Combs’ Westmoreland: In spirits, our community finally had a seat at the table. A voice. A real voice. Then there was Revolt (sobs)
Combs’ Westmoreland: He’s just trying to help. He opened three charter schools in neighborhoods where the schools were not good. The motto was black excellence. The youth are our future… Mr. Combs personally inspired me. I went to an event in DC
Combs’ Westmoreland: Mr. Combs was there. He said, Listen everyone (sob) I’m sorry… He said, Don’t be afraid to dream… Just remember to wake up and put actions behind your dreams. And then he said, Don’t forget to help others. That changed my life
Combs’ Westmoreland: Mr. Combs is just a man. And he’s made some mistakes. He has flaws like we all do. But how many of us can say that we’ve helped so many lives? Countless lives. He’s been in jail and he’s remorseful. I spend every day speaking with him
Combs’ Westmoreland: In the MDC, Mr. Combs started asking people their dreams. That’s how Free Game for Diddy was born. No one’s done this in the MDC before.
Combs’ Westmoreland: There is no benefit to warehousing Mr. Combs in prison. Thank you. Judge: Mr. Steel? Combs’ Steel: We wanted his children to come up, then show the video. Judge: Please come forward. My name is Quincy Brown. He’s my father
Quincy Brown: He is transformed. He will not jeopardize his freedom again. As his children, we wish to heal together. Next: My name is Justin Combs. I ask you give my father a second chance. My father is my superhero. My father always told me to believe in God
Justin Combs: I talk to my father every day, every other hour. Next: I am Christian Combs. I am the one who most resembled my pops, my mannerism. My whole life I studied my dad up and down. He is the greatest man in the world, my superhero.
Christian Combs: He told me to treat women like a queen and I do. I see in his eyes, as his twin, that he has changed. Next: My name is Jessie Combs and I am 18 years old (cries). When my mother died I was just a little girl. I remember my dad sitting us down
Jessie Combs: It helped me survive, when I just wanted my mom. Next: My name is Chance Combs, his daughter. He’s changed. (Cries). Sorry. He speaks with a clear mind. Next: My name is D’Lila Combs. We watch our 2 year old sister, she cannot grow up fatherless
D’Lila Combs: Your Honor, please (cries) Let us move forward not as a headline but as a family. Judge: Thank you all. This is important for me to hear. Combs’ Steel: We would like to show the movie
1:10 pm – video is over. Judge: Mr. Steel, who will be speaking next?
Combs’ Steel: The Reverend Doctor Johnson. Then the man from the re-entry program, if you permit. Judge: Any more lawyers?
Steel: Myself then Mr. Donaldson.
Judge: We’re resume at 2 pm
[They’re back]
Judge: Mr. Steel? Combs’ Steel: I am honored to practice in this majestic courthouse. I sit here with tears in my eyes, I can’t believe we’re hear. Sean has impacted America in such a positive manner.
Combs’ Steel: The jury has spoken. We have been convicted of two counts of the Mann Act…. Sean’s father was killed when he was three. He was raised in Harlem in the 1970s, it was different. His mother had 3 jobs, moved them to Mount Vernon
Combs’ Steel: He goes to Howard but he has another idea. He goes to work at a record company. He’s in the studio with artists. His ear is better than everyone’s. He works harder than anyone else. More trauma: his best friend is shot in LA in a driveby shooting.
Combs’ Steel: Sean is upset, he is trying to break down barriers. He has an operation and he gets addicted to the painkillers he’s given. He has been high from then until 2024. You heard it at trial. He was medicate because his body was hurt, his emotion too
Combs’ Steel: On occasion he would hit the woman he loved. He loved Ms. Ventura. I have been with Sean more than my family since I met him. He has taken responsibility. He would have pled guilty to the Mann Act, but they wouldn’t offer that
Combs’ Steel: I have been there when Sean has prayed for healing for anyone he has heard. It is now 12 months and 17 days in MDC. There are certain people who gain prestige if they hurt him. The guard stopped a man with a shank. He eats out of bags: chips
Combs’ Steel: He lives with 25 people, in one room. There’s a TV area, a supposed bed. There are drugs there. He has not taken drugs. There is violence. The water in polluted. You have to boil it. There are screams day and night.
Combs’ Steel: Some in the media, not all, who have written that Sean is an outcast, a leper. That is not true. He has done things I would only dream of doing…. There is a man released to his home – Charles Scruggs. He can speak, he is by the phone now
Combs’ Steel: October 6 is not a speaking engagement. It is that people realize he is different. He can speak about drugs, about putting your hands on a woman. He can change people’s lives. It is not a speaking engagement – it is a healing
Combs’ Steel: This was a voluntary sexual encounter, consented to by adults. I agree with Ms. Shapiro. This is issue preclusion, double jeopardy, a due process violation.
Combs’ Steel: We ask Sean to be able to have a 14 month sentence. He has taken full accountability. He’s not using drug addiction as a crutch. He is saying he wants to repair, he will never be a danger. He is a civil rights leader
Combs’ Steel: We can now hear from the Reverend. Reverend: I’ll be personally responsible for seeing him rehabilitated. I close with this. As Michael Jordan said, These sneakers are just sneakers. But when my son put them on… Sean needs an opportunity
Reverend: You have been very honorable in this court. Combs’ Steel: We’ll have Mr. Donaldson. Combs’ Xavier Donaldson: It’s been a long day but I think it’s been worth it. I want the record to be clear that Mr. Combs is not a pimp.
Combs’ Donaldson: Here in SDNY, we’ve had US Senators prosecuted here. I dare anyone to say anyone else in the past 30 years did what he did in the MDC. The true Sean Combs came back
Combs’ Donaldson: I spoke to chiefs of police in Miami. I spoke to superintendents of education in Miami. Everyone said, This is something different. Let me close with this, people like me are supposed to be here, to show that we can do it.
Combs’ Donaldson: We have a speaker ready to say that these are not speaking engagements. May he? It’s the executive director of Re-entry One.
Judge: What is the gentleman’s name?
Donaldson: Giovanni-
Judge: I have a letter from these others. 1 minute is fine
Next: My name is Giovanni Sairras, for Re-entry One. We serve a couple of hundred people per year. I have read the letter of those impacted by the teaching and mentorship of Mr. Sean Combs. As a formerly incarcerated person myself, I see the impact
Giovanni Sairras: When a person creates his own program while incarcerated, it shows something. I know. I’ve done it. Not even a parking ticket since. I work with Probation. I speak at many different functions with the private prison operator that we work with
Giovanni Sairras: Judge, we are eager to work with Mr. Combs in the same way. We have established engagements in communities in need. Lastly, our mission is centered in the idea that those closest to the problem will solve it. Judge: Okay, thank you very much.
Combs’ Agnifilo: It’s getting late, I’ll be brief. I started in the Manhattan DA’s Office in 1990. We mostly had to put people in jail. In 1996 the Center for Court Innovation started. John Jay did a lot of studies. DV tends to some from childhood trauma
Combs’ Agnifilo: Doctors found that Sean had PTSD. He grew up with out a father. His father was murdered when he was a baby. The family didn’t tell him how his father died. But he picked it up from the street. He gave a commencement address at Howard in 2014
Combs’ Agnifilo: He found in the microfilm there how his father died, in a drug deal gone bad. Maybe that’s the trauma. He had major depressive disorder. OK. I’m going to sit down in five minutes, then Ms. Slavik, and Mr. Combs, the last word
Combs’ Agnifilo: I am asking you to release him today. He has been punished, publicly. Everyone knows every twist and turn in this case. This is also a form of general deterrence. The publicity that he got. Ms. Ventura’s lawsuit, it destroyed his businesses
Combs’ Agnifilo: We are proposing mental health treatment, a domestic violence program. Sometimes group programs are the best. October is domestic violence awareness month. I’m not asking for a light sentence. I’m asking for mental health, the root problem
Combs’ Agnifilo: I’ll stop here and turn it over to the Government. I think it’s only fair that Mr. Combs has the last word.
Judge: Ms. Slavik?
AUSA Slavik: Going back a few hours to Mr. Driscoll. We have cited cases with sentences of 135 months, based on abuse
AUSA Slavik: Back to the Jordan case. Let’s zoom out: why did Judge Cronan take into account the previous sentence? Because Jordan knew it was wrong. He quit the business before he was prosecuted – here, the defendant continue crimes
AUSA Slavik: Pimps control their victims, that’s what happened here. $1.4 million would be 90 some freak offs. There were more than that here. Mr. Driscoll challenged us to find abusive texts like he quoted. But this case has physical abuse, on video
AUSA Slavik: The defendant is a master puppeteer. His video has better production values than the Inter-Continental Hotel video. But that shows who he is. Right now, he would apologize to his victims. Five lawyers spoke for him – Mr. Steel said Cassie wanted it
AUSA Slavik: We ask for a significant sentence here. Judge: Thank you. Mr. Combs? Combs’ Steel: Can we take a comfort break?
NEXT UP Diddy … and then the FINAL JUDGMENT!
Sean Combs (stands at defense table) One of the hardest things I’ve had to handle has been having to be quiet and not express how sorry I am for my actions. I don’t take that lightly. I would like to apologize to Cassie Ventura and her family
Sean Combs: I apologize to Jane, for bringing you into my mess. I would like to apologize to all the victims of domestic violence. I know that the disgusting video triggered people. I was sick. Sick from the drugs. I needed help. But I didn’t get the help.
Sean Combs: I knew better. My faith taught me better. I’m not this larger than life person. I’m just a human being. I’m trying my best. I lost my freedom and the opportunity to raise my children and be there for my mother. I lost all my businesses
Sean Combs: I hate myself right now. I’ve been stripped down to nothing. I want to apologize to my seven children… I’m so sorry. You deserve better. To my mother, I feel… you taught me better
Sean Combs: I let down my community. I wanted to show we could take care of our own problems. I got lost. I’m not this bad person. I’m sorry to my community, I let y’all down. People can change. I know I’ve changed
Sean Combs: Sometimes you have to go through life experiences. These are not excuses. I can’t change the past but I can change the future. I beg your Honor for mercy, to be a father again, to be a son again, a leader in my community again. To get the help I need
Sean Combs: I don’t want to let God down. I have no one to blame but myself. I know I will never put my hands on another person again. I’m willing to comply with any conditions. Me sharing my story, it’s not a scheme to get less time – this story is tragic
Sean Combs: If your Honor gives me a chance to share my story this has a positive impact. Thank you to the jury. Your Honor gave me the confidence in the jury, to believe that I did not have to testify. They sacrificed 8 weeks, I think them for not guilty
Sean Combs: I take full responsibility for my Mann Act convictions. They want you to make an example of me. I want you to think about making an example of what a person can do if they get another chance. Consider the beautiful children who spoke for me
Sean Combs: No matter what anyone say, I know that I am truly sorry. Thank you your Honor.
JUDGE WILL RETURN IN MINUTES with the FINAL JUDGMENT!
Subramanian: At the outset I want you to understand, Mr. Combs, you are not being sentenced for acquitted conduct. But under 3553 I must consider many things… Mr. Combs, you are a self-made artist who has inspired community of color
Judge: We saw the video. The Free Game course in the MDC, the court hopes you continue to expand it. You are devoted to your family. The court of course considers the collateral consequences. The Court has to consider all of your history here
Judge: A history of good works can’t wash away the record in this case. You abused these women. You used that abuse to get your way, freak offs and hotel nights. The evidence of the abuse is massive. I was sitting right here, during the testimony
Judge: This was subjugation – that is the reality of what happened. These offenses irreparably harmed two women. You plied them with drugs. Why did it happen so long? You had the power and resources to keep it going. You were more than a John
Judge: A significant sentence is required to deter. You say you’re sorry and you won’t do it again. After Ms. Ventura’s civil lawsuit was filed – after the video was public, and investigation started- you had a brutal hotel night with Jane, punched her in the head
Judge: Jane says he told her, Take this pill, go out there and s*ck his d*ck, f*ck him, I don’t care. The Court is not convinced this would not happen again. The Court has considered the programs – they are outweighed by the trial record in this case
Judge: Exploitation and violence against women must be met with real accountability, to promote respect for the law. The Court reaches a few conclusions. 135 months would be more than necessary
Judge: A sentence over 11 years is not reasonable. Even the Probation Department recommends a sentence less than half of that. But 14 months, time served, would not be sufficient.
Judge: Here, the data shows a wide variety of sentences. Weighing all the relevant factors, the Court determines that the sentences is 50 months of incarceration
Judge: Mr. Agnifilo, any recommendation were to serve the sentence?
Combs’ Agnifilo: Can we get back to you by Monday, now that we know there is a sentence?
Judge: Yes.
Judge: Thank you. Mr. Combs?
Combs’ Steel: Can we take a comfort break?