An exotic dancer nicknamed The Punisher who testified against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs during his trial has spoken out about the disgraced star’s charge
Disgraced music star Sean ‘P Diddy’ Combs was jailed for four years and two months on Friday and one person who testified against him has made it clear how they feel about the decision. Combs, 55, was also fined $500,000 fine, which is the highest the judge could impose.
The sentence came as the rapper was acquitted of the more serious charges of racketeering and sex trafficking in July. However, he was found guilty on two charges of transportation of former girlfriends for prostitution. During the trial, vile details emerged about Combs’ sex life and ‘freak off parties’ involving ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura.
Ventura was among those who testified against the Bad Boy Records founder. So too was Sharay Hayes. The exotic dancer, nicknamed The Punisher, spoke during the trial to give his recollection of events.
At the time, Hayes told the court about his encounters with the musician. He claimed to have had around eight to 12 encounters with Combs and his ex-girlfriend.
Now, Hayes has revealed he believes the sentence by Judge Arun Subramanian was handed out to send a clear message that he is trying to protect victims and deter others from such behaviour.
Hayes told TMZ he believes the star truly is remorseful after Combs revealed his sorrow at events during sentencing. Hayes added: “He was on top of the world and lost it all … and has no one to blame but himself — that changed him forever.”
However, another sex worker named in trial testimony told the publication they believe Combs got off lightly. The anonymous source explained they believed the disgraced star might have got 10 years behind bars.
Other famous faces to react to the sentencing included Combs’ long-term rival, 50 Cent. The rapper, whose real name is Curtis James Jackson III, couldn’t help but take aim following the judge’s decision.
He wrote on social media: “Hey to whoever was booking Diddy for speaking engagement. I heard he won’t be able to make it, I’m available!”
Following the sentencing, Combs’ attorneys spoke outside of court to reveal they plan to appeal the sentence. His lawyers Marc Agnifilo and Brian Steel said: “We are planning to appeal, we are planning to appeal.
“We think we have strong basis to appeal – the strongest basis is that the jury reached a verdict on coercion, they found it was not coercion and I think that the judge said coercion today at least a dozen times. We think that is unconstitutional. We think that a jury verdict should mean more than our jury’s verdict seems to mean. So we are planning to appeal.”
Combs’ mother also reacted to the sentence outside of the court. As she stepped outside of the venue, she waved to the crowd that had gathered.
She had been supporting her son throughout the trial. . Upon hearing his sentence, Combs told her: “I’m sorry.” She wore a white suit and was joined by six of the star’s children on Friday.
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