Facing a potential prison sentence of over 20 years, Sean "Diddy" Combs has penned a heartfelt letter to the presiding judge, Arun Subramanian, expressing deep remorse and pleading for "mercy". The letter, submitted on Thursday, comes just ahead of his scheduled sentencing hearing on Friday. In it, the 55-year-old hip-hop mogul claims that his time in jail has profoundly changed him, leading him to vow to never commit another crime.
Combs' legal troubles stem from a high-profile trial where he was acquitted of the most serious charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. However, he was convicted on two counts related to prostitution, leaving him facing a significant prison term. Prosecutors are seeking a sentence of at least 11 years, while Combs' legal team argues that his year behind bars has already been sufficient punishment and are requesting no more than 14 months.
In the four-page letter, Combs takes "full responsibility and accountability" for his past actions, admitting to "past wrongs" and expressing sincere remorse for the "hurt and pain" he has inflicted on others. He specifically addresses the infamous 2016 CCTV footage depicting him assaulting his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, at a Los Angeles hotel. "I literally lost my mind. I was dead wrong for putting my hands on the woman that I loved," Combs wrote, adding, "I'm sorry for that and always will be. My domestic violence will always be a heavy burden that I will have to forever carry". He also stated that the images of him assaulting Ventura play repeatedly in his head daily.
Combs also addresses "Jane," another former girlfriend who testified against him, acknowledging the pain he caused her. "I thought I was providing for Jane concerning her and her child, but after hearing her testimony, I realised that I hurt her," he wrote, adding, "For this I am deeply sorry. I lost my way ... Lost in the drugs and the excess". He admitted that his crimes were rooted in selfishness and that he had been lost in drugs and excess.
Reflecting on his time in prison, Combs describes himself as "humbled and broken to my core". "Over the past year there have been so many times that I wanted to give up," he confessed. "There have been some days I thought I would be better off dead. The old me died in jail, and a new version of me was reborn. Prison will change you or kill you--I choose to live," Combs stated. He further emphasized his commitment to change, vowing to remain drug-free, non-violent, and peaceful.
In his plea for leniency, Combs emphasizes his desire to be a better father to his seven children. "God blessed me with 7 beautiful children—3 sons and 4 daughters," Combs wrote, noting that he has "failed my children as a father". He also expresses concern for his 84-year-old mother, Janice Combs, who recently underwent brain surgery, stating his inability to be there for her during this critical time. "More than anything, I just want the opportunity to return home and be the father that they need and deserve,” Combs wrote. "I am unable to be there for my mother when she needs me most," he added.
Combs concludes his letter by asking the judge for "another chance," expressing his desire to be a better father, son, and community leader. He hopes to be an example of what a person can do if given a second chance. "Today, I humbly ask you for another chance—another chance to be a better father, another chance to be a better son, another chance to be a better leader in my community, and another chance to live a better life,” Combs wrote. He also stated that he was "scared to death" at the thought of being separated from his family and pledged that he "will never commit a crime again".
