Who is Arun Subramanian? The Indian-American Judge Who Sentenced Sean 'Diddy' Combs to Prison

Indian-American Judge Arun Subramanian delivered a stern rebuke to Sean "Diddy" Combs while sentencing the music mogul to over four years in prison on October 3 following prostitution-related convictions involving two former girlfriends.

Judge Subramanian emphasized that the sentence was designed to send a powerful message about accountability for exploitation and violence against women in today's society.

Born in Pittsburgh in 1979 to Indian immigrants, Arun Subramanian has carved out an impressive legal career. His father worked as a control systems engineer while his mother served as a bookkeeper.

Following his undergraduate studies at Case Western Reserve University, Subramanian earned his Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School in 2004. His early career included prestigious clerkships with Judge Dennis Jacobs at the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, Judge Gerard E Lynch at the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, and ultimately with Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Subramanian joined Susman Godfrey LLP in 2007, becoming a partner and working there until 2023. Throughout his distinguished career, he successfully recovered over $1 billion for clients, represented victims of child pornography trafficking, and championed numerous consumer rights cases. His commitment to public service included extensive pro bono work and service on the pro bono panel for the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

Recommended by Senator Chuck Schumer and nominated by President Biden in 2022, Subramanian was confirmed in 2023, making history as the first South Asian judge appointed to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

During Combs' sentencing, The New York Times reported that Judge Subramanian emphasized that exploitation and violence against women warrant serious consequences. Combs will serve 36 additional months in prison (accounting for time already served), pay a $500,000 fine, and undergo five years of supervised release.

While acknowledging Combs as a "celebrated" and "iconic" artist, the judge cited his history of sexual and physical violence as justification for a "substantial sentence," according to People magazine.

Subramanian rejected the defense's characterization of Combs' "freak offs" or choreographed sex parties as consensual events. "Given the prevalence of sexual violence in society, a substantial sentence must be given to send a message to abusers and victims alike that abuse against women is met with real accountability," he stated.

The judge delivered a direct admonishment to Combs: "I know you feel like you are in a dark place now, but these crimes were serious ones, and your violence, coercion and abuse have had devastating consequences for the women involved, women who loved and depend on you." He urged Combs to leverage his celebrity platform positively, noting, "We all have voices. You have a megaphone."

Prior to receiving his sentence, Combs addressed the court, apologizing to Casandra Ventura and the woman who testified as "Jane." He expressed remorse for failing as a parent, losing his freedom, and damaging his reputation and business empire.

"I really am truly sorry for it all, no matter what they say," Combs told the court, adding that one of his greatest challenges has been remaining silent and unable to fully express his remorse for his actions.