‘Lost My Self-Respect’: What Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Told Judge Arun Subramaniam During Sentencing

Last Updated:October 04, 2025, 09:59 IST

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs apologised to two women who accused him of sexual abuse, as he was sentenced to more than four years on prostitution-related charges.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs (Photo: Bang Showbiz)

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs was sentenced on Friday to more than four years in prison on prostitution-related charges, as the disgraced hip-hop mogul did not defend himself at trial, ending months of testimony and dramatic courtroom exchanges.

Combs was convicted in July on two counts of arranging for paid male escorts to travel across state lines to take part in drug-fueled sexual performances with his girlfriends, while he recorded videos and masturbated. The jury acquitted him on the more serious charges of racketeering and sex trafficking, which could have earned him a life sentence.

The sentence was given by Indian-origin US District Judge Arun Subramaniam, who said his violence and abuse had “devastating consequences” for everyone involved. The trial marked a sensational fall from grace for the once-celebrated music mogul, who appeared visibly emotional while the sentencing was carried out.

What Did Combs Say In Court?

In an emotional statement, Combs addressed Judge Subramaniam and asked for mercy to get a chance to be a better person, and apologised to his family.

“One of the hardest things that I’ve had to handle is having to be quiet, not being able to express how sorry I am for my actions,” he told the courthouse, in what were his first remarks in over a year since he was accused of sex crimes.

In a final attempt for freedom, Combs apologised to singer Casandra Ventura and another woman who testified as Jane, who had accused him of long-term sexual and physical abuse. He spent much of his statement detailing how he had lost his family, his failures as a parent and the loss of his business empire and his reputation in tatters.

ALSO READ: Who is Arun Subramanian, The Indian-Origin Judge Who Sentenced Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs?

“Most of all, I lost my self-respect. I been stripped down to nothing,” he added. “I really am truly sorry for it all, no matter what they say.”

Meanwhile, Combs’ children also gave moving appeals on behalf of their father. “We aren’t here to excuse any of his mistakes. But your honor, he is still our dad, and we still need him present in our lives,” said his 18-year-old daughter Jessie Combs.

The defence attorneys also presented a montage that included home video shots of Combs and his family, as well as footage of the hip hop entrepreneur opening schools and winning awards.

What Did The Court Say?

However, the prosecution reminded everyone the gravity of Combs’ federal crimes. “It’s about a man who did horrible things to other people to satisfy his own sexual gratification,” said prosecutor Christy Slavik. “His currency was control. And he weaponized that currency to devastating effects on the victims.”

After the jury made its decision, Judge Arun Subramaniam read excerpts from the testimonies of the victims, initially commending the businessman for his accomplishments and his philanthropic activities.

However, he asserted that a “history of good works can’t wash away the record in this case,” and cited a “massive” evidence of abuse. “Mr Combs, I know you feel like you’re in a dark place right now, but these crimes were serious ones, and your violence, coercion, and abuse have had devastating consequences for the women involved,” Subramaniam said.

Combs could be released in less than three years after receiving credit for the time he has already spent locked up at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his September 16, 2024 arrest, according to Reuters.

However, Combs had pleaded not guilty and is likely to appeal the sentence, according to defence lawyer Marc Agnifilo. This case is only one chapter in a broader series of legal battles for the music mogul, who has been accused of ape, violent abuse, coercion, and operating a “sex trafficking enterprise”.

(with inputs from agencies)

About the Author

Aveek Banerjee

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international…Read More

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international… Read More

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