Diddy spoke directly to the courtroom on Friday, October 3, during his sentencing in the federal sex trafficking case.
“One of the hardest things I’ve had to handle has been having to be quiet and not express how sorry I am for my actions,” he said, according to Inner City Press. “I don’t take that lightly. I would like to apologize to Cassie Ventura and her family.”
He also turned his apology to his own family, admitting how much shame he feels. “I hate myself right now. I’ve been stripped down to nothing. I want to apologize to my seven children… I’m so sorry. You deserve better. To my mother, I feel… you taught me better.”
Diddy closed his remarks in court by fully owning up to the charges against him.
“I take full responsibility for my Mann Act convictions,” he told the judge. “They want you to make an example of me. I want you to think about making an example of what a person can do if they get another chance. Consider the beautiful children who spoke for me.”
“No matter what anyone says, I know that I’m truly sorry,” Diddy told the court as he concluded his statement. “Thank you, your honor.”
Prosecutors, however, argued for a harsher punishment, asking Judge Arun Subramanian to sentence the mogul to 11 years and three months in prison for his Mann Act convictions. They pointed out that while Diddy was awaiting sentencing, he had already “booked speaking engagements in Miami for next week.” Prosecutor Mary Slavik called it “the height of hubris,” suggesting his supposed respect for the law was “just lip service.”
Diddy’s attorneys countered that the scheduled events were meant to be teaching sessions for inmates in Florida. They instead pushed for a 14-month sentence—time served—that would allow him to walk free.
Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo argued that Diddy has been battling long-standing mental health issues. He cited the death of Diddy’s father during his childhood, explaining that his client has been diagnosed with PTSD multiple times over the years. “Sean Combs has genuine psychological challenges,” Agnifilo told the court, noting reports made in 2014, 2017, and 2020.
His legal team also raised concerns about his safety behind bars, alleging that he was nearly stabbed by another inmate at MDC Brooklyn simply because of his fame. “Sean is not a typical person in custody; everyone knows him,” lawyer Brian Steel said. “It’s a trophy for them; they get recognition if they harm him.”
