Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has made a heartfelt appeal for "clemency." He sent a letter to Judge Arun Subramanian just before his sentencing.
"First, I want to apologize and say how truly sorry I am for all the hurt and pain I’ve caused others with my actions," Diddy, who is 55, wrote in his letter. This letter was reportedly obtained by a prominent news channel, Us Weekly, on Thursday, October 2nd. He is set to be sentenced on Friday, October 3rd, for two charges linked to prostitution.
Diddy continued by owning his past. "I take full responsibility and the consequences for my past mistakes," he stated. "These have been the hardest two years of my life. I have no one to blame for my current situation and reality but myself. I’ve made many mistakes in my life, but I’m not running from them anymore." He added that saying "I’m sorry" isn’t enough, as words alone can’t erase past pain.
He specifically talked about the 2016 physical attack on his former girlfriend, Cassie. CNN first showed footage of this incident in May 2024. "The scene and images of me hurting Cassie play in my head every single day," he told the judge. "I truly lost control. It was completely wrong for me to lay my hands on the woman I loved." Diddy expressed deep regret. "I’m sorry and I always will be. My domestic violence will always be a heavy burden I have to carry forever. Remorse, sorrow, regret, disappointment, shame."
Diddy asked Judge Subramanian for "clemency" not just for himself, but "for the sake of my children." He shared his personal struggles. "I went off course. I lost my way. Lost in drugs and too much excess. My downfall came from my own selfishness," he wrote. He also mentioned feeling "humiliated" by his time in prison. This followed his September 2024 arrest on charges including sex trafficking, extortion, and moving people for prostitution. Diddy has consistently said he is innocent and denies all charges against him.
His letter went on to describe a new path. "Since being in jail, I’ve had a spiritual reset," he wrote. "I am on a journey that will take time and a lot of hard work. I’m proud to say I’m working harder than ever before. I am dedicated to living a drug-free, non-violent, and peaceful life."
"I humbly ask for another chance," Diddy concluded. He hoped for "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." He made it clear he wasn’t looking for pity. "I’m writing this not to gain sympathy or compassion; this experience is simply the truth of my life and it has changed me forever, and I will never commit a crime again."
Diddy is scheduled for sentencing in New York on Friday. He was found guilty in July of two counts of moving people for prostitution. However, he was cleared of two counts of sex trafficking and one count of conspiracy to commit racketeering. Prosecutors are pushing for a sentence of just over 11 years in prison. But Diddy’s lawyers argue he should serve 14 months. This would be followed by supervised release, including mandatory drug treatment and therapy.