Diddy broke his silence with a letter to the choose presiding over his federal case, expressing deep regret forward of his October 3 sentencing in New York.
The Hip-Hop mogul, convicted on two counts of transporting girls throughout state traces for prostitution, faces as much as 20 years behind bars.
Within the emotional letter addressed to U.S. District Decide Arun Subramanian, Diddy took full accountability for his actions.
“I take full accountability and accountability for my previous wrongs,” he wrote. “This has been the toughest 2 years of my life, and I’ve nobody responsible for my present actuality and state of affairs however myself.”
The 55-year-old music government was discovered responsible in July by a federal jury, although he was acquitted on extra severe fees involving racketeering and intercourse trafficking by power.
Prosecutors are pushing for a sentence of 135 months—simply over 11 years—arguing that Combs stays “unrepentant.”
In his letter, Diddy described a private transformation that was spurred by his incarceration.
“The previous me died in jail and a brand new model of me was reborn,” he wrote. “Jail will change you or kill you—I select to reside.”
He spoke straight in regards to the abuse of his former accomplice, Cassie Ventura, whose testimony was a central a part of the trial.
“The scene and pictures of me assaulting Cassie play again and again in my head day by day,” Combs admitted. “I used to be lifeless flawed for placing my arms on the girl that I liked. I’m sorry for that and at all times might be.”
Diddy additionally acknowledged one other sufferer, referred to in court docket as “Jane.” “Your honor, I believed I used to be offering for Jane regarding her and her baby, however after listening to her testimony, I noticed that I harm her. For this I’m deeply sorry.”
The letter, submitted forward of Friday’s sentencing, marks Diddy’s first public assertion since his conviction.
Prosecutors emphasised the lasting trauma inflicted on the victims, stating Diddy “ought to serve a sentence that displays the gravity of those crimes.” They argued that his wealth and fame enabled his conduct and that he has proven little real regret.
In distinction, Diddy’s attorneys are requesting a lowered sentence of 14 months, noting that he has already served 13 months in custody. They declare he has made strides towards rehabilitation, together with remedy and sobriety.
Diddy echoed that sentiment in his letter. “Every single day since my incarceration, as troublesome as my circumstances at the moment are, I’ve made the very best of my time by studying books, writing, figuring out, or in remedy acquiring the instruments and data to cope with my previous drug abuse and anger points.”
He additionally mirrored on the non secular side of his journey.
“I understand that I’m in a state of affairs the place no amount of cash, energy or fame can save me. Solely God can save me,” Diddy wrote.
Diddy stated he has now been sober for the primary time in 25 years and credited his grandmother’s teachings for serving to him discover that means in his lowest moments.
“My grandmother used to show me that God makes no errors and that all the things He does is in your good.”
The sentencing listening to is anticipated to incorporate sufferer influence statements, together with one from Diddy’s former assistant “Mia,” who will learn a five-minute assertion in court docket.
Diddy additionally plans to talk on to the choose throughout the listening to, a uncommon transfer that emphasizes the gravity of the second.
Federal sentencing tips recommend a spread of 5 to seven years, however Decide Subramanian has broad discretion.
The ultimate determination will hinge on a number of components, together with the letter, courtroom testimony and the choose’s interpretation of Diddy’s regret and rehabilitation.
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