All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Adam Sandler only has 18 more dates left during his “You’re My Best Friend” tour in 2025, while dates go until Saturday (Nov. 1) at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas, Nevada. In fact, Sandler ends his tour with three dates in Vegas.

Tickets to the tour first went on sale through Ticketmaster, while the retailer’s Face Value Exchange program is an option for fans to resell tickets.

However, many of the dates have either sold out, or are very close to selling out, so one of the best ways to find Adam Sandler tickets online is through third-party sites, including StubHub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek and others — all of which guarantee authentic tickets in time for the event.

In addition, we like that tickets are all delivered digitally, so you can get them sent instantly to your smartphone or email. Prices may also be above or below face value at times.

Where to Find Adam Sandler’s ‘You’re My Best Friend’ Tour Tickets Online

Looking for cheap seats to see Adam Sandler live? Here’s where to find tickets still available and on sale online.

find cheap zach bryan tickets online

TOP PICK

Find Adam Sandler Tickets at StubHub


StubHub has Adam Sandler tickets available. Stubhub’s Fan Protect Guarantee ensures valid tickets or your money back. And if your event is canceled and not rescheduled, you’ll receive 120% in credit or be given the option of a full refund.

find cheap zach bryan tickets online

EARN REWARDS

Find Adam Sandler Tickets at Vivid Seats


You can find Adam Sandler tickets online at Vivid Seats, which lets you search by price, location and “Super Sellers,” which denotes reputable sellers with the best deals on tickets.

Vivid Seats is great for group tickets: the site has a rewards program that gives you your eleventh ticket free (in the form of a credit) after you buy 10 tickets online. And as a bonus, you can use our exclusive promo code BB30 to take $30 off your purchase at VividSeats.com.

find cheap zach bryan tickets online

BEST PRICES

Find Adam Sandler Tickets at SeatGeek


One of the lowest prices we’re seeing for Adam Sandler tickets is at SeatGeek, which has stubs from $50 and up. Use our discount code BILLBOARD10 to save an additional $10 at checkout.

find cheap zach bryan tickets online

PROMO CODES

Find Adam Sandler Tickets on TicketNetwork


TicketNetwork has tickets to Adam Sandler’s concerts with all-in pricing that lets you see exactly what you’ll pay up front (fees included). For a limited time, you can use our exclusive code BILLBOARD150 to save $150 off $500 or BILLBOARD300 to save $300 off orders of $1000 and up.

Adam Sandler’s ‘You’re My Best Friend’ Tour Dates

  • Oct. 4: Casey’s Center in Des Moines, Iowa
  • Oct. 5: Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • Oct. 6: Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana
  • Oct. 13: Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio
  • Oct. 14: Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan
  • Oct. 15: Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio
  • Oct. 16: Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky
  • Oct. 17: Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri
  • Oct. 20: United Center in Chicago, Illinois
  • Oct. 21: CHI Health Center Omaha in Omaha, Nebraska
  • Oct. 22: Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota
  • Oct. 26: Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah
  • Oct. 27: Ford Idaho Center Arena in Nampa, Idaho
  • Oct. 28: Moda Center in Portland, Oregon
  • Oct. 29: Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington
  • Oct. 30: Fontainebleau Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada
  • Oct. 31: Fontainebleau Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada
  • Nov. 1: Fontainebleau Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada

Want more? For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best Xbox dealsstudio headphones and Nintendo Switch accessories.

50 Cent wasted no time trolling Diddy following Combs’ 50-month prison sentence on prostitution charges on Friday (Oct. 3).

The G-Unit mogul posted a portrait of Combs from the courtroom during his sentencing hearing, which found Diddy tearing up using a tissue to pad his eyes.

Related

“Hey to whoever was booking Diddy for speaking engagements,” 50 wrote to Instagram. “I heard he won’t be able to make it, I’m available!”

For context, according to Inner City Press, Diddy had speaking engagements lined up for Miami next week, in the case he was released from jail with no additional time behind bars.

Prosecutors called it the “height of hubris,” while Diddy’s attorneys explained that it was for “healing” rather than a traditional speaking engagement.

50 has been relentless in trolling Diddy throughout the trial. He even penned a “letter to the judge” earlier this week, warning Judge Subramanian about the dangers of Combs.

“I have had an ongoing dispute with Puffy for 20 years,” he began. “He is very dangerous. Multiple times I have feared for my life… Anyway, Diddy’s only going to return to hiring more male sex workers and keeping most of the baby oil away from the general public. And babies need it!”

Around 4:45 p.m. ET, Diddy was sentenced to 50 months in prison for violating federal prostitution laws. Prosecutors were seeking an 11-year sentence while Diddy’s attorneys were looking for 14 months of time served.

Diddy spoke to the courtroom ahead of his sentencing. “I ask your honor for mercy. I beg your honor for mercy,” he pleaded.

While he’ll be serving just over three years behind bars, Diddy still faces a plethora of civil lawsuits over sexual abuse allegations.

Find 50’s post below.

In the flurry of afterparties that happened around Portola 2025, Neil Frances‘ was a standout, especially to Neil Frances themselves.

“Frankly some DJ sets are just way better than others” the duo tell Billboard. “The audience makes it special, and the audience was so up for it at our Portola afterparty at Public Works.” The show happened Sept. 20, following their set at the festival itself earlier that day.

Related

Sharing the bill with both Caribou and Caribou’s Daphni alter-ego, the night extended Neil Frances’ Club NF series, which find the Los Angeles-based alt-pop duo focusing on the clubbier elements of their longstanding project. The pair –Australian-born Jordan Feller and SoCal native Marc Gilfry — are using Club NF as a vehicle to revisit their catalogue, along with tracks they love, and make their own club-centric interpretations of them.

Many of these edits, along with a laundry list of deep cuts and club classics like Armand Van Helden’s era-defining 1996 remix of Tori Amos’ “Professional Widow,” are embedded within Neil Frances’ Sept. 20 Portola afterparty set at Public Works, a joyful 96-minute affair you can listen to exclusively below.

“All of our best friends were there, and Marc and I actually took some time to prepare for the set, which is pretty rare tbh,” Feller says. “We should do it more. I remember fleeting moments so thankfully we decided to record this one.”

Neil Frances is carrying on down the road with Club NF into the fall, with a set this weekend in Oklahoma City and upcoming shows in Austin, Tex., New York City’s We Belong Here event in Central Park and three shows throughout Mexico.

The first Friday of October 2025 is a doozy for new music releases — and that’s largely thanks to Taylor Swift.

A year and a half after releasing The Tortured Poets Department — which spent an eye-popping 17 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 — the pop star returned with yet another mammoth album drop on Friday (Oct. 3). On The Life of a Showgirl, she reflects on what her life has been like over the past two years, from traveling around the world on the Eras Tour to falling in love with fiancé Travis Kelce. And while Swift is the ultimate showgirl, several other big names get some time in the spotlight on the LP. Sabrina Carpenter, for instance, shines as the album’s only guest artist on the title track, while “Father Figure” interpolates the late George Michael’s hit of the same name. Plus, 50 Cent gets a shout-out on “Ruin the Friendship,” something he celebrated on Instagram on the day of Showgirl‘s release.

Related

But while Swift’s album is objectively the most talked-about this week, several other powerhouse artists unveiled new music as well. Luke Combs and Leon Thomas are both back with new singles, with the former dropping “Days Like These” and the latter sharing “Just How You Are.” Louis Tomlinson makes a splash with new song “Lemonade,” while Kali Uchis teamed up with Mariah the Scientist for “Pretty Promises” and Fred again.. and Amyl and the Sniffers collaborated on “You’re a Star.”

With a bunch of new music to stream, Billboard wants to know: Are you living that life of a showgirl, or does another release have your heart this week?

Tell us your favorite by voting in the poll below.


Billboard VIP Pass

From “Turn My Swag On” to Swag 7, Soulja Boy surprised fans with the release of his new project on Friday (Oct. 3).

Swag 7 hits streaming services as Big Draco continues to provide support on Druski’s Coulda Fest Tour throughout North America this fall.

The project boasts 16 tracks in total and a lone feature from Litty Vuitton. According to a press release, the SODMG boss wanted to channel his inner-Beyoncé with a surprise drop for the fans.

“Y’all know what the f—k going on,” he said on his IG Story. “N—a, Swag 7 the album out right now. Swag 7 out right now, n—a. And we on tour. We in Detroit.”

Along with Soulja, other openers include BigXthaPlug, Young M.A and Navv Greene. Could Fest Tour hits Detroit on Friday and has more dates set for Brooklyn, Washington, D.C., Houston, Chicago, Philly, Atlanta, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Swag 7 is Soulja Boy’s second project of 2025, as Draco Season arrived in August.

Outside of music, Soulja Boy has been busy. He added to his list of alleged “firsts” when he claimed to become the first rapper with an iced-out Labubu chain, which he flexed last month.

Draco also faced some legal trouble when he was arrested on weapons charges during a traffic stop in Los Angeles. After being held for two days, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office told Billboard that the charges were dropped due to “insufficient evidence.”

Stream Swag 7 below.

This week in dance music: Cercle announced that they’re producing a one-night-only DJ set with Tame Impala in Mexico City in conjunction with the band’s new dance influenced album Deadbeat. Lee Burridge reflected on his early days in the scene in this exclusive clip from his forthcoming documentary Sound of a Dream, which premieres at London’s Doc’n Roll Film Festival on Oct. 25, and Skepta and Hannah Laing were announced among the long list of speakers who will be at ADE in Amsterdam later this month.

Related

Meanwhile, Okeechobee announced its return after a three year hiatus with headliners Griz, T-Pain, The Lumineers, Griz and Fisher, Burning Man announced its 2026 theme, and Sylvan Esso pulled their catalog from Spotify, saying that “While no solution is perfect, we simply can’t continue to put our life’s work in a store that, in addition to all its other glaring flaws, directly funds war machines. Reaching towards the world we all deserve, even though we are not in it yet.”

We caught up with rising star Jigitz, our dance rookie of the month for September, we ran down the 50 best house songs of all time and we chatted with Tinashe and Disco Lines about their global smash “No Broke Boys.”

Is that all? Not even close. These are the best new dance projects of the week.

Leon Thomas is keeping his foot firmly planted on the gas pedal.

Just one month after gracing the cover of Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players issue, Thomas has officially announced his next musical project, PHOLKS. Comprised of seven new songs, the forthcoming EP is due Oct. 24 via EZMNY/Motown Records, and its funky lead single, “Just How You Are,” is currently available on all digital streaming platforms.

Related

Accompanied by a stylish, hazy music video featuring Forever actress Lovie Simone, “Just How You Are” builds on the sonic world of Mutt, Thomas’ acclaimed 2024 sophomore studio album, with a gutsier fusion of funk, rock and R&B. Thomas’ soulful vocals wrap around each element of the track’s live instrumentation — from the psychedelic edge of Freaky Rob’s guitar to the rollicking groove of D Phelps’ drumkit. “And if you know you had my heart/ Could never finish what you started/ You love to pick my world apart/ But that’s just how you are are are,” he sings in the chorus, tracing the arc of turbulent love that he simply can’t turn away from.

Billboard exclusively revealed PHOLKS as Thomas’ next project in his Aug. 30 cover story, and it will arrive less than a week before the Grammy winner kicks off his Mutts Don’t Heel world tour. Commencing on Oct. 30 at Dallas’ House of Blues, Thomas will play nearly 50 dates across North America, Europe and Australia, before ending his trek in Perth on April 19, 2026.

Last month (Sept. 5), Thomas headlined Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop LIVE at New York City’s Webster Hall, the same weekend he accepted breakthrough of the year at R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players. It’s been a winning year for the Nickelodeon alumnus thanks to the slow-burning rise of his hit single, “Mutt,” which peaked at No. 12 on the Hot 100 and remains in the chart’s top 15 eleven months after its Aug. 2024 release. “Just How You Are” also arrives the same day first-round voting begins for the 2026 Grammys, where Thomas is a leading contender in both the R&B and General Fields.

Watch the “Just How You Are” music video below.

Sometimes, artists find inspiration in the unlikeliest places — and it seems Taylor Swift may have found hers from Candace Owens when it comes to a lyric in the new song “Cancelled!”

On the track — which dropped Friday (Oct. 3) along with the rest of the pop star’s new The Life of a Showgirl album — Swift explores how she prefers to have friends who have been “cancelled” by the public at some point, just like she feels she has been at different times in her career. Right before the chorus, she sings, “Did you girlboss too close to the sun?”

Related

Now, the Icarus-inspired lyric could very well be just another one of the 14-time Grammy winner’s infinite signature turns of phrase — but it also happens to bear a striking resemblance to something a certain conservative commentator said back in January.

In a video on her YouTube channel about Swift’s supposed involvement in Blake Lively’s lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, Owens repeatedly said that the singer and her friend were “girl bosses who flew too close to the sun.”

In a TikTok promoting the episode, the podcaster doubled down. “This story is going to be remembered as ‘girl boss flew too close to the sun,’” she said in the clip.

Billboard has reached out to Swift’s rep for comment.

Fans have been wondering ever since hearing “Cancelled!” which of Swift’s friends she may have been referring to on the song, with some theorizing that Brittany Mahomes — who is married to Patrick Mahomes — might be the subject. But if the parallel to Owens’ video is any indication, the “cancelled” friend in question might just be Lively. If it is, the song’s subject matter would track with the fact that the Gossip Girl alum’s lawsuit revolves around allegations that Baldoni orchestrated a media campaign to turn the public against her after the pair wrapped filming on It Ends With Us, which he denies.

The ongoing suit is expected to go to trial in 2026. And while Baldoni’s legal team has pushed for Swift to be deposed for the case — having previously accused Lively of using the singer’s star power to pressure him on creative choices for It Ends With Us — a judge ruled against it in September.

Swift will, however, have to submit her texts with Lively to the court.

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Taylor Swift’s new album, The Life of a Showgirl, is here, and it’s time to celebrate the only way ShopBillboard knows how: by shopping, obviously.

Gifting the Swiftie in your life a Swift-themed surprise — besides “Paper Rings” — is a thoughtful and easy way to earn you the title of MVP gift-giver of the holiday season. Instead of spending a fortune on the singer’s favorite Aupen purse, purchasing an unofficial book about the “Fortnight” singer offers a creative yet budget-friendly alternative gift for music lovers. Below we’ve included a wide range of books to shop all inspired by Swift and her music, including biographies, picture books, retrospectives and sticker books available now at retailers like Walmart, Target, Amazon and more. Keep reading to shop our Swiftie-approved picks.

What Are the Best Taylor Swift Books?

Best Taylor Swift Books for Swifties, From Kids to Fashion Titles

There’s Nothing Like This: The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift

$3.08 $30.00 90% off

Buy Now On Amazon

A book about Taylor Swift by Kevin Evers.


This book, penned by the Senior Editor at Harvard Business Review Kevin Evers is currently on mega sale on Amazon, retailing for just $3.08. The book takes a closer look at the strategic business-savvy way Swift markets herself and her brand and why she’s become such a success. Don’t just take it from us, the book has been featured in a slew of other publications, both culture and financial-leaning, including Rolling Stone, People Magazine, US Weekly, USA Today and The Financial Times, among others. The book is originally $30. Getting it at this price is the definition of a steal.

Best Taylor Swift Books for Swifties, From Kids to Fashion Titles

The Story of Taylor Swift: An Inspiring Biography for Young Readers (The Story of Biographies)

$4.99 $7.99 38% off

Buy Now On Amazon

A Taylor Swift biography for kids.


Young Swift fans looking to get into the singer’s lore need to grab this The Story of Taylor Swift book. The  Rachelle Burk story takes young readers through Swift’s humble beginnings as a country star to her rise to pop stardom, for as little as $4.99. Coupled with whimsical illustrations and engaging copy, this book makes it easy for young readers to comprehend Swift’s life in the spotlight thus far. The book is available at Walmart, Barnes & Noble and on Amazon.

Best Taylor Swift Books for Swifties, From Kids to Fashion Titles

Brain Games – Puzzles and Quizzes: Taylor Swift Facts and Information

A Taylor Swift quiz book.


If you’re in the mood to challenge yourself, you should shop this Brain Games puzzles and quizzes book all about Swift. The book can be shopped right now on Amazon, Target and Barnes & Noble and features over 85 challenging puzzles and mind-bending quizzes, great for Swift fans both old and young. It’s safe to say you’ll never be bored with this book in your arsenal.

black book cover with Taylor Swift photo

“Heartbreak Is the National Anthem: How Taylor Swift Reinvented Pop Music” by Rob Sheffield

$19.59 $27.99 30% off

Buy Now On Amazon

$19.59 $27.99 30% off

Buy Now on target

Taylor Swift retrospective.


Rolling Stone journalist Rob Sheffield goes isn’t just giving fans a biography about Swift, the author takes it a step further in Heartbreak Is the National Anthem as he delves into her cultural impact — especially within the pop music sphere. Incorporating his own personal experience, Sheffield explains her one-of-a-kind journey including how she continues to be at the top of her game more than a decade later.

Best Taylor Swift Books for Swifties, From Kids to Fashion Titles

“My Sticker Dress-Up: Swifties” Illustrated by Louise Anglicas

$10.38 $12.99 20% off

Buy Now On Amazon

A Taylor Swift-themed sticker book.


For a more interactive element, this sticker book will have fans flexing their creativity as they “dress up” a Swift-inspired figure for her performances and the red carpet. Included are pages of stickers featuring familiar outfits, accessories and shoes that they can mix and match to their liking.

illustrated cover of Taylor Swift

“Taylor Swift: A Little Golden Book Biography” by Wendy Loggia

$4.78 $5.99 20% off

Buy Now On Amazon

$4.99 $5.99 17% off

Buy Now on target


This Taylor Swift children’s book breaks down the star’s career in an easy-to-read format that starts from her early days performing at ball games to her sold-out stadium tours. Every page comes with vivid illustrated pictures parents, children and fans can admire year-round.

book cover with cartoon graphic of taylor swift

“101 Facts About Taylor Swift: The Unofficial Kid and Teen Quiz & Trivia Guide to the Amazing Popstar” by Luna Jones

A Taylor Swift fact book.


Your loved one can test their knowledge on just how much they really know the “Love Story” singer using the trivia questions sprinkled withih the pages of this unofficial book. They may even learn something new as it features more than 100 facts about the singer to help build them from Swiftie to super Swiftie status.

Best Taylor Swift Books for Swifties, From Kids to Fashion Titles

“Taylor Swift Is Life: A Superfan’s Guide to All Things We Love about Taylor Swift” by Kathleen Perricone

$11.50 $19.99 42% off

Buy Now On Amazon

$11.50 $13.98 18% off

Buy Now on walmart

A Taylor Swift fact book for fans.


Whether they’re a new or seasoned fan of Swift, this adorable guide promises to break down everything they could possibly need to know to be a Swiftie including the people in her life they should know about and the meaning behind every track five. They can also read up on their personal Taylorscope that’ll delve into how their astrology sign connects to Swift and her music.

pink coloring book cover with Taylor Swift illustration

“SUPER FAN-tastic Taylor Swift Coloring & Activity Book” by Jessica Kendall

$8.43 $12.99 35% off

Buy Now On Amazon

$8.43 $9.92 15% off

Buy Now on walmart

$8.43 $12.99 35% off

Buy Now on target

A Taylor Swift coloring book.


Your friend won’t be able to resist splashing color onto the page of this Swift-themed coloring book. Not only are their blank illustrations that’ll let their imagination run wild, but also word searches and fun facts to help them feel closer to the singer.

glittery book cover with taylor swift illustration

Mad Libs: For the Fans: Taylor Swift Edition

$4.78 $5.99 20% off

Buy Now On Amazon

$5.57 $5.99 7% off

Buy Now on bookshop.org

A Taylor Swift Mad Libs book.


Not all Swift books require sitting down and reading, this Mad Libs encourages Swifties to get together and create funny stories using fill-in-the-blank prompts. There are 21 different stories they can complete alone or with a group of friends.

black and white book cover with photo of taylor swift

“Taylor Swift: The Stories Behind the Songs” by Annie Zaleski

$19.89 $29.99 34% off

Buy Now On Amazon

$27.89 $29.99 7% off

Buy Now on bookshop.org

A closer look at Taylor Swift’s songs and the meaning behind them.


Besides singing her songs, your Swiftie can discover the meanings behind each verse through this unofficial book. Consider this like an encyclopedia for Swift’s discography as it breaks down what each song means, when it was released and provides the exact lyrics to read.

book cover with photo of taylor swift

“Taylor Swift Style: Fashion Through the Eras” by Sarah Chapelle

$20.50 $35 41% off

Buy Now On Amazon

$20.50 $24.48 16% off

Buy Now on walmart

$20.50 $35 41% off

Buy Now on target

A fashion book exploring the evolution of Taylor Swfit’s style.


Fashion blogger and fellow Swiftie Sarah Chapelle crafts a coffee table-ready book that explores the evolution of Taylor Swift’s style. They’ll be able to learn more about her style choices as the author examines hidden messages and themes within Swift’s outfits alongside photos fans can flip through.

book cover with taylor swift albums

“Taylor Swift – Easy Guitar Anthology 2nd Edition (Easy Guitar With Notes & Tab)” by Taylor Swift

$24.95 $26.99 8% off

Buy Now On Amazon

A Taylor Swift anthology book.


Aspiring musicians can learn how to play their favorite song using this guitar anthology that includes singles like “Shake it Off,” “Cardigan,” “Love Story” for aspiring musicians to learn on your own. Each page comes with broken down notes on how to play the music in addition to tabs that make it easier to find your desired song.

For more product recommendations, check out ShopBillboard‘s roundups of Taylor Swift recommended books, the best Taylor Swift outfits and best gifts for musicians.

Sean “Diddy” Combs was sentenced to 4 years in prison Friday (Oct. 3) for violating federal prostitution laws, capping off a year-long prosecution of embattled hip-hop mogul.

In a packed Manhattan federal courtroom, Judge Arun Subramanian ordered the star imprisoned for 50 months, according to the New York Times and other outlets. Diddy’s lawyers had sought just 14 months; prosecutors had asked for more than 11 years.

The judge had harsh words for Diddy before handing down the sentence: “This was subjugation, and it drove both [victims] to thoughts of ending their lives,” he said, adding that his sentence would “send a message to abusers and victims alike that exploitation and violence against women is met with real accountability.” But he also said the decade-long sentence sought by prosecutors was “not reasonable.”

Related

Before sentencing, Diddy himself spoke to the judge, apologizing to his victims for “disgusting, shameful and sick” behavior and asking for a second chance: “I ask your honor for mercy. I beg your honor for mercy,” he said. Prosecutors, meanwhile, urged the judge to reject his promises of change, calling him a “master puppeteer of his own image.”

The sentence is far less than the life sentence Combs could have faced when he was charged with racketeering (RICO) and sex trafficking. But the jury’s July verdict acquitted him on those counts and only convicted him of violating the Mann Act, a federal law that bars transporting people across state lines for prostitution.

Given that Combs has already been in jail for more than a year, the prison term will see Combs, 55, locked behind bars for a little over three years. But he is also still facing dozens of civil lawsuits over similar abuse allegations, and has suffered severe reputational damage to his once-formidable music and business empire.

Along with a ruling this week refusing a new trial, the sentencing will clear the way for Diddy to launch an appeal of both his convictions and sentence. The appellate court could take more than a year to reach a ruling; if upheld, he could file a long-shot appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. His team has reportedly also lobbied the Trump administration for a pardon.

Combs, who rose to fame as an artist/producer in the 1990s with his Bad Boy Records and later expanded his business empire into fashion, TV and liquor, was arrested and charged in September 2024. Prosecutors claimed he’d run a sprawling criminal operation aimed at facilitating “freak-offs” — elaborate events in which he allegedly forced women to have sex with male escorts while he watched, masturbated and sometimes filmed.

Related

The case centered on allegations from Cassie Ventura, Diddy’s longtime ex-girlfriend, who said he’d subjected her to years of such abuse. Ventura’s November 2023 civil lawsuit was the first to accuse the star of wrongdoing and sparked dozens of other alleged victims to come forward with similar cases. A surveillance video of Combs assaulting Ventura at a Los Angeles hotel in 2016 made headlines when it was leaked in May 2024 and has remained an indelible image of the case.

At a blockbuster trial this spring, prosecutors told jurors that the star had abused his power for decades to “feed his every desire,” including coercing Ventura and others to engage in the freak offs and then silencing them with threats: “For twenty years, the defendant, with the help of his trusted inner circle, committed crime after crime,” a prosecutor told the jury.

But from the very outset, Diddy’s lawyers said such allegations were clearly overblown. They acknowledged and apologized for domestic violence, and said he had lived a “swinger lifestyle.” But they argued that his alleged victims had been consenting participants, and that “toxic” relationships and weird sex didn’t add up to federal crimes: “That may not be what you like to do in your bedroom,” they told jurors. “She was not being trafficked.”

Related

Those arguments worked. In a July verdict, jurors acquitted Combs on the RICO and sex trafficking charges, avoiding the possibility of a life prison sentence. But he was still convicted on the two lesser Mann Act counts for transporting Ventura and others across state lines for the purposes of prostitution.

Leading up to sentencing, Diddy’s attorneys urged Judge Subramanian to reject “draconian” requests from prosecutors, saying he must ignore most of the evidence of violence because Combs had been acquitted on the more serious counts: “It is time for Mr. Combs to go home.” And the day before sentencing, Diddy himself sent a letter to the judge vowing to “never commit a crime again.”

But at Monday’s hearing, Judge Subramanian largely sided with prosecutors and probation officials on key issues, including ruling that he could consider the “acquitted conduct” that Diddy’s lawyers had asked him to exclude. The judge also said Diddy would not get credit for accepting responsibility since he had continued to challenge his convictions.


Billboard VIP Pass