Disgraced rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs wrote a desperate letter to the Manhattan judge overseeing his sex crimes case on the eve of his highly anticipated sentencing, insisting that he’s undergone a “spiritual reset” and promising to make the judge “proud” if released.
Combs, 55, will face the music on Friday for prostitution charges tied to his years-long and escort-reliant “freak-off” sexcapades. He was convicted in July, but dodged his most serious charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking that could’ve put him behind bars for life.
Sean “Diddy” Combs poses for a photo indoors, leaning on a wooden window ledge overlooking an outdoor concert.
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Sean “Diddy” Combs will be sentenced on Friday in his prostitution case.
Prosecutors are pushing for at least an 11-year sentence.
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Prosecutors are pushing for an 11-year minimum sentence, while his lawyers are asking that he be released on time served.
The disparaged music mogul is begging Judge Arun Subramanian, who will be deciding his fate at the Manhattan federal court, to grant him “a second chance.”
Combs sent the pleading letter to Subramanian shortly before 5 p.m. Thursday.
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In it, he reflects on the lengthy trial in which his former flames and victims recounted the horrors he inflicted upon them, before crediting a “spiritual reset” as proof of his reformation.
“I can’t change the past, but I can change the future. I know that God put me here to transform me. Since incarceration, I have gone through a spiritual reset. I’m on a journey that will take time and hard work. I’m proud to say I’m working harder than I ever have before. I’m committed to the journey of remaining a drug free, non-violent and peaceful person. I thank God that I’m stronger, wiser, clean, clear and sober. God makes no mistakes,” he wrote.
Combs sent the letter to Judge Arun Subramanian, who will decide his sentence, the night before the hearing.
Jane Rosenberg
“I realize that this trial has received a tremendous amount of global press and Your Honor may be inclined to make an example out of me. I would ask Your Honor to make me an example of what a person can do if afforded a second chance. If you allow me to go home to my family, I promise I will not let you down and I will make you proud.”
Follow the latest on Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ federal sex-trafficking trial:
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Combs also reflected on the stomach-turning testimonies presented in court, including from singer Cassie Ventura and another, anonymous, ex-girlfriend.
Ventura, who testified while she was nearing the end of her pregnancy, alleged that Combs forced her to engage in his days-long “freak-offs” over the decade that they were dating.
Cassie posing with Sean Diddy Combs at her 21st birthday party.
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Combs admitted to beating his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in the letter.
Combs didn’t hesitate to acknowledge the brutal beatings he inflicted on Ventura and blamed his “downfall” on his “selfishness” and “sadness,” but acted surprised when confronted by the Jane Doe’s near-identical allegations.
“Your honor, I thought I was providing for Jane concerning her and her child, but after hearing her testimony, I realized that I hurt her. For this I am deeply sorry. I lost my way. I got lost in my journey. Lost in the drugs and the excess,” Combs wrote.
The anonymous ex testified that she was beaten and drugged by Combs before he forced her to have sex with a male escort.
Sean Combs, wearing sunglasses and a large diamond cross necklace, looking forward.
Combs’ lawyers are trying to secure his release on the 14 months he served while awaiting trial.