“Lost in the drugs”: P. Diddy addresses the court with a letter
Tengrinews.kz – American musician and producer P. Diddy, who is awaiting sentencing in a case involving a violation of the Mann Act, addressed the judge with a letter in which he offered apologies and took full responsibility for his actions.
What the letter says
The letter was published by TMZ ahead of the sentencing hearing. In it, 55-year-old artist Sean Combs expressed regret for the harm he caused and admitted his guilt.
“First and foremost, I want to apologize and say how sincerely sorry I am for all of the hurt and pain that I have caused others by my conduct. I take full responsibility and accountability for my past wrongs. This has been the hardest 2 years of my life, and I have no one to blame for my current reality and situation but myself,” he wrote.
Combs stated that his time in custody forced him to "look in the mirror" and acknowledge that his downfall stemmed from selfishness and substance abuse.
He specifically mentioned the video showing him assaulting singer Cassie, with whom he had a relationship.
“I was dead wrong for putting my hands on the woman that I loved. I'm sorry for that and always will be,” he emphasized.
The artist admitted that he had let his children down and asked the judge for mercy, expressing his desire to return home and be with his family. He also mentioned his 84-year-old mother, who recently underwent brain surgery.
“More than anything, I just want the opportunity to return home and be the father that they need and deserve. I no longer care about the money or the fame. There is nothing more important to me than my family,” the letter reads.
Combs noted that he is now fully sober for the first time in 25 years and is trying to help other inmates. He said he runs six-week workshops where he talks about his personal mistakes and path to change.
The artist clarified that his letter was not an attempt to gain pity.
“I don’t tell you this for pity or sympathy. Today, I humbly ask you for another chance—another chance to be a better father, another chance to be a better son, another chance to be a better leader in my community, and another chance to live a better life. I,” Combs concluded.
The sentencing hearing is scheduled for Friday.
Prosecutors are seeking over 11 years in prison, while the defense is requesting no more than 14 months, considering that Combs has already served 13 months in custody.