Rapper Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has been involved in significant discussions recently. After being found guilty on October 3rd on prostitution-related charges, the rapper received a prison sentence of over four years. Judge Arun Subramanian, who is of Indian descent, delivered the sentence. Judge Subramanian underscored that the punishment was crucial for accountability and as a strong message to society.
Arun S. Subramanian was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, in 1979. His parents are of Indian origin. He has developed a remarkable legal career through his dedication and abilities. His father was a control systems engineer, and his mother worked as a bookkeeper.
Subramanian pursued his graduation from Case Western Reserve University and later acquired his Juris Doctor (JD) degree from Columbia Law School in 2004. He commenced his legal journey by clerking for Judge Dennis Jacobs (US Court of Appeals, Second Circuit) and Judge Gerard E. Lynch (US District Court, Southern District of New York). Furthermore, he served as a clerk for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
In 2007, he joined the New York law firm Susman Godfrey LLP, where he remained until 2023, eventually becoming a partner. During his career, he secured over $1 billion in recoveries for his clients. He represented victims of child pornography trafficking, and also pursued consumer rights cases.
Subramanian was nominated by former President Joe Biden in 2022 for a federal judge position upon the recommendation of Senator Chuck Schumer. In 2023, he was named the first South Asian judge to serve in the Southern District Court of New York.
Judge Subramanian, reports suggest, clarified that the sentencing was intended to deliver a message about the serious repercussions of exploitation and violence against women. Taking into account the time already served, Combs will now serve an additional 36 months in prison, along with a $500,000 fine.
Subramanian acknowledged Combs as a famous and “iconic” artist, but also affirmed that the severe sentence was essential due to the rapper’s history of sexual and physical violence. He dismissed the defense team’s claim that the “freak-offs” were consensual.
The judge stated that in view of the rising incidents of sexual violence in society, a substantial sentence was necessary in order to convey the message that those who exploit women will face actual accountability. Subramanian criticized Combs, stating that his crimes were grave and his violence, coercion, and abuse had ruined the lives of the women who loved and trusted him. He additionally advised Combs to utilize his fame for good causes.
Prior to the sentencing, Combs made a court appearance, which was his first in over a year. He offered apologies to Cassandra Ventura and the woman who provided testimony under the name “Jane.” Combs expressed his deep regret for his failure as a father, the loss of his freedom, and the damage inflicted upon his image and business.
Combs stated, “I truly apologize for everything, regardless of what people say.” He additionally acknowledged that the most challenging aspect for him was remaining silent and not genuinely regretting his crimes until that time.
