Rapper Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has been a subject of public discussion recently. Following his conviction on October 3rd on charges related to prostitution, Combs was sentenced to over four years in prison. The sentence was handed down by Judge Arun Subramanian, who is of Indian descent. Judge Subramanian emphasized that the sentence was necessary to establish accountability and send a strong message to society.
Arun S. Subramanian was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, in 1979. His parents are of Indian origin. He has built a distinguished legal career through his hard work and merit. His father was a control systems engineer, and his mother worked as a bookkeeper.
Subramanian graduated from Case Western Reserve University and earned a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from Columbia Law School in 2004. He began his legal journey with clerkships under Judge Dennis Jacobs (US Court of Appeals, Second Circuit) and Judge Gerard E. Lynch (US District Court, Southern District of New York). He also served as a clerk to Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
In 2007, he joined the New York law firm Susman Godfrey LLP, where he worked until 2023, eventually becoming a partner. During his career, he secured over $1 billion in recoveries for clients, represented victims of child pornography trafficking, and fought consumer rights cases.
Subramanian was nominated as a federal judge by former President Joe Biden in 2022, on the recommendation of Senator Chuck Schumer. In 2023, he became the first South Asian judge to be appointed to the Southern District Court of New York.
According to reports, Judge Subramanian clarified that the sentence aimed to send a message about the severe consequences of exploitation and violence against women. Considering the time already served, Combs will now spend an additional 36 months in prison and pay a $500,000 fine.
Subramanian acknowledged Combs as a famous and “iconic” artist, but he deemed the harsh sentence necessary given his history of sexual and physical violence. He dismissed the claims by Combs’ defense team that his “freak-offs” were consensual.
The judge stated that, given the increasing sexual violence in society, a significant sentence was necessary to send the message that those who exploit women will face real accountability. Subramanian rebuked Combs, stating that his crimes were serious and that his violence, pressure, and abuse had ruined the lives of the women who loved and trusted him. He also advised Combs to use his fame for good works.
Before the sentencing, Combs spoke in court for the first time in over a year. He apologized to Cassandra Ventura and the woman who testified as “Jane.” Combs expressed deep regret for failing as a father, losing his freedom, and damaging his image and business.
Combs stated, “I truly apologize for everything, regardless of what people say.” He also stated that the hardest part for him was remaining silent and not expressing genuine remorse for his crimes until then.
