Diddy Pleads for Leniency in Letter Ahead of Sentencing

Rap mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has written a personal letter to the judge overseeing his case, pleading for leniency ahead of his sentencing and attributing his past misconduct to years of drug addiction and selfish behavior.

In the four-page letter dated Thursday, Combs expressed deep remorse for his actions and asked Judge Arun Subramanian to consider sparing him a lengthy prison term. The note came just hours before his sentencing hearing scheduled for Friday morning in New York.

Combs, 54, was convicted in July on two counts of prostitution-related charges and now faces a maximum of 20 years in prison. Prosecutors have asked for a minimum sentence of 11 years, while his defense lawyers want him released later this month.

In his letter, Combs apologized for assaulting his ex-girlfriend, singer Casandra Ventura, writing, “I literally lost my mind.” He admitted his history of domestic violence was a lifelong burden he would carry. He also addressed an anonymous woman identified as “Jane” during the trial, saying he became “lost in the drugs and the excess.”

“I lost my way,” he wrote. “My downfall was rooted in my selfishness. I have been humbled and broken to my core.”

Combs described how his 13 months in a Brooklyn jail had changed him, saying he is now sober for the first time in 25 years. He claimed to have taught fellow inmates about business and personal growth, presenting himself as a reformed man who wants to use his second chance to do better.

He asked the judge to consider his seven children and his 84-year-old mother, who recently underwent brain surgery, adding, “The old me died in jail and a new version of me was reborn.”

But victims painted a different picture. Ventura and others wrote to the judge describing Combs as manipulative and abusive, warning that he might seek revenge if released. Ventura said, “He will always be the same cruel, power-hungry, manipulative man that he is.”

Prosecutors echoed that view, accusing Combs of being “unrepentant” and dismissing his efforts to portray his history of abuse as mutual conflict. They argued he should serve no less than 11 years in prison.

The sentencing hearing is expected to feature testimony from four of Combs’ lawyers and a 15-minute video from his defense team. Combs is also scheduled to speak before Judge Subramanian delivers the final sentence.

Entertainment

Boniface Mwangi Alleges Death Threats, Claims Bullet Was Planted in His Bag
Boniface Mwangi Alleges Death Threats, Claims Bullet Was Planted in His Bag

Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi has claimed that unknown individuals are threatening his life, alleging that a bullet cartridge was recently planted in his luggage in what he believes is a setup to frame him.

Oscar-Winning Actress Diane Keaton Dies Peacefully at 79
Oscar-Winning Actress Diane Keaton Dies Peacefully at 79

Oscar-winning actress Diane Keaton, known for her wit, charm, and unforgettable performances across five decades, has died at the age of 79.

Gengetone Star Shalkido Dies After Tragic Thika Road Crash
Gengetone Star Shalkido Dies After Tragic Thika Road Crash

Popular Mugithi and Gengetone musician Shalkido has died following a tragic motorcycle accident along Thika Road.

Meghan Markle Attends Paris Fashion Week to Support Friend
Meghan Markle Attends Paris Fashion Week to Support Friend

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, made a rare public appearance at Paris Fashion Week on Saturday, attending the Balenciaga show to support her longtime friend and the fashion house’s new creative director, Pierpaolo Piccioli.

P Diddy Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison Over Abuse Charges
P Diddy Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison Over Abuse Charges

Hip-hop mogul Sean “P Diddy” Combs has been sentenced to four years and two months in prison after being found guilty of transporting individuals for sexual purposes.

Taylor Swift Fans Think New Song References Travis Kelce’s Ex
Taylor Swift Fans Think New Song References Travis Kelce’s Ex

Taylor Swift’s newly released album has sparked speculation that one of its songs takes aim at Kayla Nicole, the ex-girlfriend of Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce.

Dwayne Johnson Delivers Raw Performance in ‘The Smashing Machine’
Dwayne Johnson Delivers Raw Performance in ‘The Smashing Machine’

Dwayne Johnson gives one of the strongest performances of his career in Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine, a film that focuses less on spectacle and more on the quiet struggles of mixed martial arts legend Mark Kerr.

Jimmy Kimmel Defends Free Speech in Return to Late-Night TV
Jimmy Kimmel Defends Free Speech in Return to Late-Night TV

Jimmy Kimmel made an emotional return to his late-night show on Tuesday night, speaking out strongly in defense of free speech after ABC briefly pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! over controversial comments.

Davido Surprises Chioma With Brand-New 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon
Davido Surprises Chioma With Brand-New 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon

Afrobeats superstar Davido has once again captured attention with a romantic gesture toward his wife, Chioma Adeleke.

Other Stories
Davido Joins Grammy Voting Academy Ahead of 2026 Awards
Davido Joins Grammy Voting Academy Ahead of 2026 Awards

Nigerian music star Davido has officially become a voting member of the Recording Academy, the body behind the Grammy Awards.

BBNaija S10: Joanna and Kuture Exit as Finale Nears
BBNaija S10: Joanna and Kuture Exit as Finale Nears

Big Brother Naija Season 10 took another dramatic turn as housemates Josephine Iwoh, popularly known as Joanna, and Unekwuojo Ameh, better known as Kuture, were evicted from the competition.

Jimmy Kimmel Leaves Studio After ABC Suspends His Late-Night Show
Jimmy Kimmel Leaves Studio After ABC Suspends His Late-Night Show

Jimmy Kimmel was seen leaving his studio immediately after ABC announced the suspension of his late-night show, with newly released footage capturing the moment.


ABC Pulls Jimmy Kimmel Off Air After Remarks on Charlie Kirk
ABC Pulls Jimmy Kimmel Off Air After Remarks on Charlie Kirk

ABC has suspended late-night host Jimmy Kimmel indefinitely following controversial remarks he made about the shooting of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk.

Madeleine McCann Case Suspect Freed After Serving German Prison Term
Madeleine McCann Case Suspect Freed After Serving German Prison Term

The man identified as the prime suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann has been released from a German prison.

NY Judge Dismisses Terror Charges, Murder Case Proceeds Against Luigi Mangione
NY Judge Dismisses Terror Charges, Murder Case Proceeds Against Luigi Mangione

A New York judge has dismissed terrorism charges against Maryland native Luigi Mangione, but a murder charge remains.