The legal proceedings around Sean "Diddy" Combs' criminal case have concluded, but his challenges are far away from it. During a hearing on Friday, he was sentenced to 50 months behind bars for the two prostitution-related accusations for which he was discovered guilty in July. The image of the musician leaving the courtroom escorted by two US Marshals showed the criminal case arriving to a close, a continuation of his life behind bars, and a future of legal concerns and reputational harm.

A representative for Combs did not react to a request for remark from Business Insider in regard to the sentencing or his future plans.

Facing Dozens of Civil Cases

The mogul, who denied all accusations of sexual assault, still faces dozens of civil cases and scrutiny in the court of public views. At the peak of his influence, Combs appeared almost untouchable; he was worth approximately $1 billion, had an influential circle of associates, and operated lucrative businesses.Currently, "his reputation has been shattered into billions of bits," Eric Schiffer, a celebrity brand and reputation strategist, cited to a Business Insider. "It will never be the same."

After the July verdict, which was viewed as a partial win for the defense, sentencing was Combs' prosecutors' final chance to change the story of the case. Time behind bars portrays "an institutional support for women's testimony about the kinds of violence that they are going through at the hands of these perpetrators," Meenakshi Gigi Durham, a professor of feminist media studies at the University of Iowa, mentioned to a Business Insider.

Verdict and Repercussions

While Combs was cleared of the more crucial sex-trafficking charges that carried potential life imprisonment, the sentence issued out by the judge was still a rejection of Combs's long shot sentencing request of time served. "The sentence imposed today recognizes the impact of the serious offenses he committed," lawyers for Cassandra Ventura, Combs' ex-girlfriend, cited in a statement on Friday. Ventura's civil case against Combs heavily catapulted his character into the spotlight, and security video showing Combs beating her was a significant component of the government's case.

Civil Cases Multiply

The video and proof revealed publicly in his criminal trial may offer fodder for the dozens of civil suits he faces. Texas-based attorney Tony Buzbee, whose firm has filed approximately 50 lawsuits against Combs, stated in a post on Instagram on Thursday that "many more" lawsuits will be filed. Those civil cases could inflict more reputational destruction. Each will "allow a media cycle to repeat" and "amplify the pariah" story, Schiffer stated. They could also result in millions of settlements or payouts, not to cite legal charges which will strike Combs where it hurts: his fortune is not what it once was.

Collapse of Business Empire

At the peak of his wealth, Combs was worth approximately $1 billion, with an empire that extended to the worlds of music, fashion, alcohol, and media. But that empire started to get destroyed before the criminal charges were filed, as the "freak offs," drug abuse, and violence against women became exposed. He's admitted as much. "Because of my conduct, I have lost all of my business. I have lost my career," Combs wrote in a presentencing letter to the judge. "I have destroyed my reputation and stained the reputation of those that worked for me."

Combs' alcohol deals, which once generated hundreds of millions, dried up. His partner, Diageo, ended ties, terminating Combs' relationship with Cîroc vodka and compensating him for his stake in DeLeón tequila. His apparel and lifestyle brand, Sean John, which had already plummeted in value, was withdrawn from Macy's. He also resigned as chairman of the media company Revolt and sold his stake. Meanwhile, Bad Boy Records' music catalog has been eroded away, and his own tracks aren't worth what they used to be. "Licensees may become hesitant to use the music," David Herlihy, a professor at Northeastern University who specializes in music licensing and copyright, cited to Business Insider in July. Plus, he stated, there's "no touring from the cellblock."

Combs, by no means a poor man. He still has his multiple properties, two on Miami's Star Island and one in Los Angeles that's on the market for $61.5 million, and private jet, "Love Air," which is for sale.

Future Prospects

While Combs said to the judge on Friday that he doesn't "care about the fame or the records or making money or performing," when he does walk free, he may try to resume in the game. He's already taken his entrepreneurial drive to prison, where he is teaching a business course. A return to a celebrity-packed white party, lifetime achievement award, or keys to the city seems unlikely.

"People forget, memories fade, he is a master marketer," Schiffer stated. "But the gravity of his past won't ever allow him to ascend to the status and elevation he had before; those days are done."

FAQs:

Q1: Who is Sean “Diddy” Combs?
He is a rapper, entrepreneur, and music mogul. Combs has had a renowned career in music, fashion, and business.

Q2: What was he convicted of?
He was found guilty on two prostitution-related charges. These charges came from incidents that happened before July.