Renowned music producer Sean “Diddy” Combs was sentenced to four years behind bars on Friday after a jury found him guilty of prostitution-related offenses, although he was cleared of sex trafficking allegations during a high-profile trial this summer.
In his address before the sentencing, Diddy appealed to the court as the judge declared that he would serve 50 months for his wrongdoings. Below is the essence of his speech.
I appreciate the opportunity to speak and finally defend myself.
Sitting in silence has been one of the hardest challenges for me, as I’ve struggled to convey how genuinely remorseful I am for my actions.
I want to express my heartfelt apologies to Cassie Ventura for any distress I’ve caused her, emotionally or physically. This is not something I take lightly. I also want to extend my apologies to her family. I’m deeply sorry.
To Jane, I offer my sincere apologies. It was never my intention to bring pain your way.
Moreover, I must apologize to all domestic violence victims, as I understand how that disturbing video impacted many around the globe.
Domestic violence is a heavy burden I will carry for the rest of my life. My actions were shameful and revolting. I was lost, consumed by my addiction to drugs, and out of control. I needed help but failed to seek it. Thus, I cannot offer excuses.
I have no excuses because I know better. My upbringing instilled greater values in me—one that I lost amidst my journey. I am just a human trying my best against the tide of excess and ego.
As a result of my choices, I’ve lost my freedom, the chance to raise my children, my mother’s support, numerous businesses, my career, and ruined my reputation. Most importantly, I lost my self-respect. I have been humbled to my core. I regret everything, no matter the opinions others may hold.
I apologize to my seven children: Quincy, Justin, Christian, Jessie, D’Lila, Chance, and Love. I have failed as a father. I truly regret that. You all deserve so much more.
To my mother, I apologize for disappointing you as your son. You raised me to do better.
I recognize that with great privilege comes great responsibility, and I have failed my community.
As a child, my aspiration was to serve as a beacon for what we could achieve as people of color—to own businesses, nurture our communities, and cultivate our lives.
That was my vision, but I lost my way. I’m not a bad person, and I apologize to my community for the disappointment I caused. I want the court to know that with the right chance, transformation is possible.
I’ve changed. Certain life events can shake you to the core and alter your path.
This transformation happens for the better. I can’t undo the past, but I can influence the future.
I beseech your Honor for compassion. I plead for a chance to be a father again and to restore my role as a son.
I yearn for the opportunity to lead in my community once again and to receive the help I so desperately need to improve myself. I fear disappointing God and my family. They rely on me, and I have let them down. They face this fear alone, and I solely take responsibility for that.
I’m committed to never harming anyone again. I recognize my lessons and am prepared to adhere to any court-imposed conditions. When discussing the potential to share my story, it’s not a ploy to lessen my sentence; it’s about the reality of my journey—a poignant one. I have nothing left but my family, which is all I truly need. Fame, money, records, and performances no longer matter.
I want the chance to reach those kids and inmates who may feel hopeless. I believe that if I am allowed to share my narrative, it can facilitate healing and possibly prevent someone else from ending up in a similar situation.
I express gratitude to the jury. Your Honor, I appreciate your encouragement to trust the jury’s judgment and to refrain from testifying. They dedicated eight weeks to weighing the evidence and sacrificed personal time, and I am grateful for the not guilty verdicts.
I do not take my Mann Act conviction lightly. I comprehend its severity and acknowledge the repercussions I face. I accept full responsibility.
Honor, while the prosecution seeks to use me as an example, I implore you to consider what is possible when someone is afforded an opportunity for redemption. If you grant me another chance, I assure you I will not disappoint.
The affirmation of this is reflected in my wonderful children who spoke on my behalf. Thank you all. I love you deeply, and I am proud of you.
I would never willingly jeopardize my standing again, being away from family who depend on me. That’s my motivation against repeating this situation. I believe nobody wishes to be here.
Ultimately, no matter the chatter, understand that I genuinely regret these actions.
Thank you.
