Hip-hop star Sean “Diddy” Combs has been sentenced to 50 months in prison after being convicted of transporting two women for prostitution.

He was acquitted of the more serious sex trafficking and racketeering charges but nonetheless found guilty under the Mann Act for crimes involving two ex-girlfriends, Casandra Ventura and another identified as “Jane.”

Prosecutors pushed for an 11-year sentence, arguing Combs used power, drugs, and violence to control women, while the defense sought just 14 months, describing him as a reformed man battling past trauma and addiction.

In court, Combs apologized to his victims, family, and children, admitting his actions were “disgusting, shameful, and sick.”

His children tearfully asked the judge for mercy, saying he was a changed man.

Judge Arun Subramanian said a strong sentence was necessary to reflect the seriousness of the crimes and to deter others.

Combs will receive credit for the 13 months he already served and must also pay a $500,000 fine. His lawyers plan to appeal.

One of the most revealing parts of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial was how the court treated his relationships with Casandra Ventura and another woman identified as Jane. In public, Combs called them girlfriends. In court, they were legally cast as prostitutes.

The Mann Act, dating back to 1910, makes it a crime to transport women across state lines for prostitution or “immoral purposes.” The defense argued that no money changed hands, so the law didn’t apply.

The prosecution countered that through drugs, intimidation, and physical violence, Combs coerced the women into sex acts so that in the eyes of the court, that meant they were not  partners but victims of sexual exploitation.

Sources: BBC, CNN.