As the federal criminal case against Sean “Diddy” Combs nears its conclusion, his attorneys released an 11-minute video to be played in court Friday showing the hip-hop mogul as a father, mentor and philanthropist in a last-ditch effort to win him a lighter sentence.
Family members dressed in all white were seen arriving at Manhattan federal court around 7 a.m. PST. Combs, 55, faces up to 20 years in prison after a July conviction on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. He was acquitted of racketeering and sex-trafficking charges.
Defense video highlights Diddy’s family
The compilation, prepared by Combs’ lawyers, mixed archival footage with testimonials from friends and colleagues who praised his drive and generosity.
In one clip, Combs tells a classroom of children, “I started out just like you guys. I come from New York. I grew up in Harlem … I worked hard, just like you guys are working. Y’all are kings. Y’all are queens. Y’all are leaders.”
The video also features a segment where Combs talks about the death of Kim Porter, the mother of three of his seven children, and pledges to be a “full-time dad”: “Every Sunday, I gotta slow everything down and do the family ritual, get the family together, make sure the girls watching church.”
Former employees and collaborators are also heard crediting Combs for inspiring excellence and giving opportunities to young artists. One speaker says working for him was “life-changing” and taught “excellence,” while another recounts a $25,000 grant from Combs that allowed them to open a store.
In a moment towards the end of the video, Combs is heard talking about his family. “I had to pick this trophy I want. I want the best person trophy. But I know in order for me to get into heaven, I’m not gonna get in there [because] you had 20 hit records. That don’t mean nothing … They’re gonna say, ‘Oh, come on in heaven. You was a nice person.’”
Letters to the judge
KTLA’s Eric Spillman reports Combs has also written a letter to a U.S. District Judge, saying he is committed to change: “The old me died in jail and a new version of me was reborn. … I am so sorry for the hurt that I caused, but I understand that the mere words I’m sorry will never be good enough.”
His attorneys are asking for a 14-month sentence, which could result in his immediate release due to the 13 months Combs has already served. Prosecutors are seeking 11 years, calling the defense request “wildly out of proportion.”
Accusers push back
Prosecutors say the video and letter cannot erase years of abuse. During the trial, jurors heard from multiple women who testified that Combs beat, threatened and coerced them into sex acts. R&B singer Cassie Ventura, his former girlfriend, described being forced to have sex with strangers while under the influence of drugs and said Combs sometimes videotaped the encounters he called “freak offs.”
Ventura, in her own letter to the court, wrote she still suffers “nightmares and flashbacks on a regular basis” and fears “swift retribution” if Combs walks free.
Civil rights attorney Gloria Allred, who represents several accusers, was at the courthouse Friday. “Some of the victims are afraid that, because he knows their names … he may get out and try to retaliate against them,” Allred said.
One of Combs’ former assistants, who goes by the name Mia, is expected to deliver a victim impact statement during Friday’s hearing. Cameras are not allowed in the courtroom.
What’s next
The Bad Boy Records founder, once celebrated as a self-made mogul who brought aspiration and wealth to hip-hop, is also expected to speak at his Friday hearing and beg for a lenient sentence. The judge could decide within hours or days whether Combs walks out of court or spends years in federal prison.
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