Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ paltry four-year prison sentence Friday was met with mixed reactions from victims and their lawyers – with some expressing outrage and others just relieved he wasn’t freed on time served.
The disgraced music mogul’s ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura maintained that “nothing can undo the trauma” that Combs caused her but celebrated the 50-month sentence that was handed down after a marathon Manhattan federal court hearing.
“While nothing can undo the trauma caused by Combs, the sentence imposed today recognizes the impact of the serious offenses he committed,” said Ventura’s lawyer, Doug Wigdor.
“We are confident that with the support of her family and friends, Ms. Ventura will continue healing knowing that her bravery and fortitude have been an inspiration to so many.”
Dale Cecka, an attorney who represents domestic violence survivors and teaches at Albany Law School, slammed the sentence as “horrible” and possibly having a “chilling” effect for future victims.
“This is an undesirable outcome that sends a message that if you are rich and powerful, you get a pass,” Cecka told The Post.
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“And it sends a message to the victims that they are not really believed, that we don’t really believe that controlling someone financially, physically , emotionally is a crime worthy of more than, to me, a minimal sentence.”
She added Combs committed “horrific crimes” and deserved “the maximum” sentence.
Meanwhile, famed attorney Gloria Alred expressed relief that the hip-hop icon was not able to walk away scot-free, though put the roughly 4-year sentence in perspective.
“He could have gotten 20 years,” Alred told The Post.
“Many of my clients were concerned he would walk free by the end of the year — time served and then a couple more months, and they were very much afraid that he would retaliate against them,” Alred said.
“And so I think that they will be happy that he will be at least in prison for a number of years, and they’ll feel comforted on that.”
Arick Fudali, a lawyer who represents some of those who have filed lawsuits against Combs, praised the ruling for its acknowledgment of the life-changing trauma inflicted by Combs.
“I appreciate the judge’s focus on the victims and devastation Mr. Combs inflicted on their lives,” he said in a statement to CNN.
“I hope the fact that someone as notorious, wealthy, famous as Mr. Combs will be spending years in prison for his crimes will encourage other victims who are suffering in silence to come forward and confront their abuser, no matter how powerful he may appear,” he concluded.
The Department of Homeland Security and the US Attorney for the Southern District celebrated the prosecution of the “More Money, More Problems” rapper.
“New Yorkers and all Americans want to bring an end to the brutality, exploitation, physical and mental scarring, and the torment endured by victims of sex crimes.” US Attorney Jay Clayton and HSI Special Agent Ricky Patel said in a joint statement.
“The importance to our society of investigating and prosecuting sex crimes extends broadly, and they often accompany other corrosive criminal activity, including human trafficking and drug distribution.”
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Arun Subramanian excoriated Diddy for his pattern of abuse and acknowledged the bravery of his victims who came forward.
“You abused them physically, emotionally, and psychologically. And you used that abuse to get your way, especially when it came to freak-offs and hotel nights,” said Subramanian. “The defense’s argument that all of this was unrelated to the offense conduct in this case doesn’t hold up.
“So to Ms. Ventura, Jane, and the other victims who testified here, for coming forward, I can only say that I know your families are proud of you, and your children, when they are old enough, will be proud of you,” the judge said, with a tacit wink to Cassie who gave birth during trial.
“You weren’t just speaking to the 12 folks in the jury box. You were speaking to the millions of women out there who have been victims but who feel invisible and powerless and have had to suffer in silence.”
Prior to his sentencing, Combs spoke to the court, apologizing to his victims — specifically Ventura.
“One of the hardest things I’ve had to handle is having to be quiet. Not being able to express how sorry I am for my actions. I want to personally apologize again to Cassie Ventura for any harm or hurt that I’ve caused to her, emotionally or physically. I don’t take that lightly. I would like to apologize to her family, I’m so sorry,” said the convicted rap mogul.
“Also I want to personally apologize to all the victims of domestic violence because I know that video [from 2016 where he is seen beating and dragging Ventura], that disgusting, despicable video, triggered a lot of people around the world.”
The post Diddy’s ex Cassie Ventura reacts to his 50-month sentence after rap mogul’s groveling apology in court appeared first on New York Post.
