NEW YORK (AP) – On the eve of his sentencing, Sean “Diddy” Combs addressed federal Judge Arun Subramanian in a heartfelt letter, expressing that he has undergone a profound transformation during his year in jail. The 55-year-old rapper and music mogul stated that he realized he was “broken to my core” before his arrest in September 2024, which ultimately led to his conviction for two prostitution-related charges. Despite being acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges in July, Combs is facing a substantial prison sentence, with prosecutors advocating for at least 11 years behind bars.
In his letter, Combs reflected on his tumultuous past, admitting to numerous mistakes and acknowledging that he takes full responsibility for his current circumstances. “I have no one to blame for my current reality and situation but myself,” he conveyed. He expressed regret for the pain he has caused in the lives of others, recognizing that mere words of apology cannot undo his wrongdoings. “I am so sorry for the hurt that I caused, but I understand that the mere words ‘I’m sorry’ will never be good enough,” he wrote.
Combs also apologized publicly for a brutal incident involving his then-girlfriend, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, detailing a 2016 assault caught on security footage. “The scene and images of me assaulting Cassie play over and over in my head daily,” he admitted, acknowledging that he was “dead wrong” for his actions. During his trial, the jury heard testimonies from various women who accused Combs of violence, threats, and sexual misconduct.
However, Ventura dismissed Combs’ declarations of remorse in her own letter to the judge, maintaining that he is still the same manipulative and abusive person he always was. She urged the judge to consider the many lives affected by Combs’ actions when determining his sentence. Ventura pointed out that he only admitted to wrongdoing after the assault footage was made public, emphasizing the need for a sentence that holds Combs accountable for his behaviors.
In addition to his apologies, Combs expressed regret to another woman, referred to as “Jane,” who testified against him in court, illustrating the extent of his harmful actions. Jane shared a harrowing account of physical abuse and coercion she experienced at Combs’ hands, which he admitted to acknowledging after hearing her story. “I lost my way. I got lost in my journey. Lost in the drugs and the excess,” Combs reflected, attributing his downfall to his selfishness.
As he awaits judgment, Combs described using his time in jail for personal growth, engaging in activities such as reading, writing, and therapy. He also took on the role of an instructor, teaching a six-week course to fellow inmates he called “Free Game with Diddy,” where he aimed to share his business acumen and lessons learned from his life experiences. He appealed to the judge for mercy, asking Subramanian to offer him a chance to prove he can positively contribute to society again: “If you allow me to go home to my family, I promise I will not let you down and I will make you proud,” he wrote.
The emotional weight of Combs' letter reveals an individual reflecting deeply on the consequences of his actions, wrestling with feelings of remorse and a desire for redemption. As sentencing approaches, both Combs and his legal team maintain that the time served thus far should suffice as punishment, while prosecutors argue for a more extended sentence to reflect the severity of the crimes committed.
