On October 3, 2025, during the sentencing of Sean “Diddy” Combs, Judge Arun Subramanian referenced a famous quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr in his ruling. This was to highlight the courage of abuse survivors like Cassie Ventura, who testified against Diddy in court. The judge stated,
As Doctor King taught us, Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope. Mr. Combs, your mom writes that you have always been a good son. The same power that enabled you to hurt these women, you could use to help.
This powerful line is drawn from King’s 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech. Combs was sentenced to 50 months in prison for two counts of transportation to engage in p**stitution, with an additional five years of supervised release. He was also fined $500,000 (via Daily Mail UK). The sentencing followed Combs’ conviction in a high-profile trial, where allegations of physical and s*xual abuse against his ex-girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura, took center stage.
The Judge Thanked Diddy’s Victims For Coming Forward
In the courtroom, Judge Subramanian directly addressed the victims of Combs’ abuse, Cassie Ventura and an anonymous Jane Doe. Subramanian praised the survivors for their bravery in coming forward, stating, “Ms. Ventura and Jane, you’ve been through abuse most of us can’t imagine.”
He thanked the victims for their willingness to share their stories, which ultimately brought Combs to justice (via CNN). The judge told the women:
To Ms. Ventura, Jane, and other victims for coming forward, I can only say— your families are proud of you and your children, when they’re old enough, will be proud of you, and I am proud of you for telling the world what really happened.
Subramanian went on to acknowledge that their strength was not only inspiring to others but also a beacon for other victims of abuse. He said,
You were speaking to the millions of women out there who have been victims but feel invisible and powerless and had to suffer in silence. You told those women and the world that violence behind closed doors doesn’t have to stay hidden forever. The number of people who you reached is incalculable.
The judge really highlighted how much the witnesses’ testimony mattered. He noted that their bravery inspired millions of people.
Cassie Ventura’s Attorney Reacted to Diddy’s Sentencing
Following the sentencing, Doug Wigdor, the attorney for Cassie Ventura, issued a statement addressing the unimaginable trauma. Wigdor said,
While nothing can undo the trauma caused by (Sean “Diddy”), the sentence imposed today recognizes the impact of the serious offenses he committed. 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.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, he credited Ventura’s decision to file a civil lawsuit in November 2023 as the catalyst for the criminal investigation that eventually led to Combs’ conviction. Wigdor further stated,
By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice. We must repeat – with no reservation – that we believe and support our client, who showed exemplary courage throughout this trial.
Combs was not convicted of crimes directly related to her; however, her actions ultimately led the jury to find him guilty.
While this verdict of a 50-month sentence may never undo the trauma inflicted on the victims, it serves as a significant milestone in the ongoing battle for justice and against abuse of power.
What impact do you think this case will have on the entertainment industry and other survivors of abuse? Will it inspire more victims to come forward? Let us know your thoughts.
