NEWS
Diddy Pleads for Leniency Ahead of Sentencing
Sean “Diddy” Combs has pleaded with a federal judge for mercy ahead of his sentencing today in Manhattan, where he faces up to 11 years in prison.
In a four-page handwritten letter submitted Thursday, the 55-year-old music mogul apologized for his past behavior, admitting his life had spiraled into “drugs and excess.”
“I lost my way,” Combs wrote. “I got lost in my journey. Lost in the drugs and the excess. My downfall was rooted in my selfishness. I am sincerely sorry for all of the hurt and pain that I have caused.”
Combs was acquitted of racketeering charges after an 11-week trial but convicted on two misdemeanor counts under the Mann Act for transporting prostitutes across state lines. Federal prosecutors are asking for 11 years in prison—five and a half years on each count—while his attorneys argue for a term closer to the 13 months he has already served in a Brooklyn detention center.
Court observers have noted that Judge Arun Subramanian has been unusually tough on Combs and his defense team throughout the proceedings, despite the acquittal on the most serious charges.
Combs, who did not testify during his trial, briefly addressed the judge in court last week. His sentencing is set for later today.
Stay with us for updates from the courtroom.