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Diddy Reflects on Sobriety Amid Prison Sentence
Sean “Diddy”” Combs has given an account of the prison experience that has transformed him.
One day before he found out how long he would be sentenced, the Bad Boy Records chief—who has been incarcerated since last September—announced that he has turned to sobriety. A letter to the judge handling his case was where he made the statement.
“In fact, this crisis has been the most difficult and darkest moments of my life, yet, I have managed to find some good things from my imprisonment,” wrote Combs in his letter dated Oct. 2 and seen by NBC News. “To name the first one, I have become sober for the first time 25 years. I have been doing my best to work on my drug abuse, rage issues, and accountability and take the healing process in positive footsteps.”
“The Old Me Died in Jail” — Diddy on His Transformation
Combs admitted to losing “his way in the drugs and the excess” but the 55-year-old looked back on his experience in jail saying, “The old me died in jail and a new me was born. Jail will either change you or kill you – I chose to live.”
After being cleared of all federal charges related to sex trafficking and racketeering in July, Combs informed the judge that he “takes full responsibility and accountability for his past wrongs” and is “not going to be a runner from his mistakes anymore”.
A Spiritual Reset and Plea for Mercy
“I will never erase the past, but I have the power to shape the future,” Combs remarked. “Particularly in jail, I have undergone a spiritual reboot. I’m spiritually lost but I know this process of change will take time and effort.”
He went on, “I am not afraid to say that I’m putting in more work than ever before. I’m on a journey of transformation, which will see me drug-free, non-violent and peaceful. God be thanked that I am stronger, wiser, clean, clear and sober.”
The “I Need A Girl” rapper also spoke about his fatherhood, listing his kids—Quincy, 34, Justin, 31, Christian, 27, Chance, 19, twins Jessie and D’lila, 18, and toddler Love, 2—while asking the judge for support. “I have let my kids down because of me,” he confessed in the letter.
Combs Requests “Another Chance”
“I humbly request you another chance today,” Combs ended his speech. “A new opportunity to act more like a father, a new opportunity to be more like a son, a new opportunity to become a leader in the community, and a new opportunity to have a better life.” His sentencing is going to be at 10 a.m., Oct. 3, Federal District Court in Manhattan, N.Y.”
Sentencing Set; Bond Denied
While it came in July, Judge Arun Subramanian decided Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sentencing to be on Oct. 3, 2025, and rejected his application for bail. In his decision, Subramanian referred to a “years‑long pattern of violence” as the reason why Combs should be held at a place of safety until sentencing.
Ex-Girlfriend Cassie Ventura’s Lawyer Reacts to Verdict
On the release of Sean “Diddy” Combs from charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking related to ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura and another woman called “Jane” but convicted on counts of transporting them to engage in prostitution, Ventura’s legal team has made a statement towards the verdict.
“The criminal saga this case has become began when our client Cassie Ventura showed the courage to file her civil complaint in November 2023,” said lawyer Douglas Wigdor in his statement to E! News on July 2. “While the jury didn’t find Combs guilty of sex trafficking Cassie as per the standard of beyond a reasonable doubt, she was responsible for the jury finding him guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution. Cassie, by sharing her ordeal, has thus changed the face of the entertainment industry as well as the fight for justice.”
Lawyer Praises Ventura’s Strength on the Stand
Wigdor, referring to charges that Combs pleaded not guilty to, stated his full support, saying, “We must be very clear and say without any doubt that we believe and support our client who was outstandingly brave during this whole trial process.”
He further referred to Ventura as one of the 34 witnesses called during Combs’ 29‑day trial and highlighted her strength and contribution to the case.
“That she was incredibly strong was evident and she also made people think about the issue of powerful men close to us and the sexual misconduct which has been going on for years and that no one has been punished,” Wigdor added. “From this trial, it turned out that change is needed a lot and we will never stop standing by the next victims.”
Sean “Diddy” Combs Reacts to Split Verdict
On hearing that he had been cleared on three of the five counts of his federal court case, Sean “Diddy” Combs—who was looking at the possibility of a life sentence if tried and convicted on all counts—was seen by NBC News reporters in the courtroom as dropping to his knees and putting his head down on a armrest in a very prayer‑like gesture.
His family, who were in the audience, gave a standing ovation to the result. On the other hand, the defense lawyers shared an affectionate moment with each other and Combs accompanied by a brief hug with his lawyer Brian Steel.
Juror Decision on Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Case
On July 2, a twelve-member jury reached a decision regarding five different federal charges alleged against Sean “Diddy” Combs in a sex trafficking case. After three days of discussions, the panel declared the rapper guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, connecting the court references made to the singer’s former girlfriend Cassie Ventura and an unidentified woman named “Jane”.
He had denied all charges and Combs was therefore dropped of one count of racketeering conspiracy, and two counts of sex trafficking.
Before the decision, the jurors told U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian that they felt trapped regarding the single racketeering charge and had “unpersuadable views.” Subramanian directed them to go on with their deliberation, and the jury came with a verdict only a few hours into the following day.
Prosecutors Wrap Up With Close To Five-Hour Closing Arguments
Prosecutor Christy Slavik spent four hours and 50 minutes making her closing remarks, saying to the jury, Sean “Diddy” Combs “employed power, violence, and terror to get what he wanted.”
“He doesn’t do it the hard way,” Slavik stated. “It was his reign. No one was there but to serve him.”
She claimed to have pointed Combs to numerous incidents as a result of pattern abuse, in which she mentioned the 2016 incident where Combs violently assaulted his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura and the alleged 2024 assault of a different girlfriend called “Jane” that was talked about in court.
“In these two events, there is a time gap of eight years, but they are not different from each other,” Slavik stated.
Prosecutors Describe “Criminal Enterprise”
“They are different chapters of the same book, the life of Sean Combs and the criminal enterprise he constructed out of his inner circle,” said prosecutor Christy Slavik to the jury.
“Through these numerous instances, that criminal enterprise kept providing the defendant with his every need by a regular practice of violence, coercion and manipulation,” she went on to say. “The defendant relied on silence and shame to hide his wrongdoings. He believed that his fame, money and power made him untouchable.”.”
Slavik also insinuated that Combs depended on “a small army of personal staff” that she claimed were working to accomplish his every request, increase his power, and keep his reputation safe at all costs.
Prosecutors Seek to Streamline Charges Against Sean “Diddy” Combs
The prosecution has filed a request with the court to alter some details of their narratives concerning attempted arson and kidnapping.
According to a June 24 letter, the remaining counts of the indictment for Sean “Diddy” Combs include the racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking while the prosecution moved the court to modify the charges, “they had removed the proposed language with regard to attempted kidnapping under both New York law and California law, attempted arson under California law, and assisting in the commission of sex trafficking.”
The government further stated that it “anticipates” the change “not only fulfilling the functions of streamlining the instructions but also from preventing any confusion.”
Sean “Diddy” Combs Declares that He Will Not Testify
Sean “Diddy” Combs announced to the judge that he will not be on the stand during his sex trafficking trial.
The judge, pointing out that no negative implications would be drawn from the fact that Combs did not refer to his guilt, said, “no one, including the jury, could draw any inference or suggestion of your guilt from the fact that you did not testify.”
Combs shared that he had talked through the issue with his attorneys and emphasized that the choice was “only” his.
“We’ve talked it through, the decision is mine,” he said to the judge. “That is my decision alone, I am the one who makes it.”
Defense Shares Estimate on Closing Arguments
Combs’ defense lawyer Teny Garagos informed the judge that her team, as well as the opposing side, anticipated that each of them would be able “at least four hours” of their closing remarks.
Special Agent Joseph Cerciello from the Department of Homeland Security closed a multi-day hearing in which he had been a witness for the prosecution on June 24. The defense was then ready to take the floor. However, Combs’ legal team made it clear that they had no intention of calling any witnesses and planned only to use the evidence already provided in the record.
Jurors Shown Alleged Footage From “Freak Offs”
During the Special Agent Joseph Ceriello’s testimony on June 23, the jury was given explicit video evidence that, as per the courtroom NBC News reporters, it looked like footage from Sean “Diddy” Combs’ so “freak offs”.
Ceriello stated that the officers found 50 explicit videos of 2021 and 2022. All were submitted as evidence, but on two files, the jurors were in a separate room, with headphones and screens, they showed them.
Hotel Rooms Were Found to be Stocked With Baby Oil and Plan B, According to Messages
During the June 23 testimony, jurors were played the voicemails that Sean “Diddy” Combs left for former chief of staff Kristina Khorram in November 2021, detailing hotel requests that included restocking baby oil—described as a regular item for his so‑called “freak offs.”
“Tell them to call me before they are on the way,” Combs said in one voicemail. “Can’t believe I’m out. Put 20 bottles in this motherf–ker.” Khorram replied, “OK. The baby oil is at the door,” and also reported his hotel stay had been extended by a day.”
Group text messages presented in court indicate that Khorram had arranged for an IV drip for Combs and “Jane” which was part at least one “freak off” recovery, as well as planned emergency contraceptive pills to be placed in his nightstand.
Cassie Ventura’s Texts Detail Alleged Abuse
The jury saw text messages that were exchanged between Sean “Diddy” Combs and Cassie Ventura, where the latter described how an alleged abuse by him affected her.
After Combs asked if she wanted to “take a break,” Ventura—who was with him on and off emotionally from 2007 to 2018—replied in March 2017: “No. I just don’t ever want to be beaten down for being defiant. You treat me and make me feel like I am nothing.”
In another rant, which took place in May, Ventura accused Combs of beating her up: “I give you love, and as soon as I am not looking and you get mad, you drag me down the hall by my hair. I am 30 years old. This is no longer a game. I felt like I was dead last night and it wasn’t happening to me because my light was so beautiful.”
Former Assistant Testifies About Drug Purchases for Combs
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ ex-hand, Brendan Paul, who was with him from 2022-2024, declared under oath that he was the one who made the rapper’s drug purchases on several occasions, which included marijuana, 2C, cocaine, ketamine, and ecstasy.
“We would contact the drug dealer by text and then the drug dealer would arrive at one of the homes,” Paul said, specifying that he got in touch with dealers through calls or text messages. Besides that, he remembered being fired quite a few times during the years for different disobedience, including once for letting a Lululemon fanny pack go forgotten.
Nonetheless, Paul went on to say that he never physically transported drugs on behalf of Combs.
Combs Trial Day 26 Cancelled by Judge Due to Sick Juror
On June 18, Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial was suspended by Judge Arun Subramanian, hearing that a member of the main jury was not able to attend due to illness.
“We have a sick juror who cannot be here and had vertigo and had to turn back,” Subramanian explained. “The juror’s partner notified us. He is not here, and he is on the regular jury, so it appears that we cannot go on today. ”
The judge remarked that it was still uncertain if the juror’s vertigo – with symptoms of dizziness, headaches, nausea, and so on – would be a short‑term case or a long‑term concern, but he stated that the court would “monitor the situation.”
Since court was not in session on June 19 in honor of Juneteenth, Subramanian arranged a shortened session for June 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Second Sean “Diddy” Combs Jury Member Faces Possible Dismissal
Right after Judge Arun Subramanian fired Juror No. 6 for lying about his place of residence, a different juror was in jeopardy of being removed due to a rumor that he talked about the case with a former worker in an unauthorized manner.
As per NBC News, the juror was interrogated in the presence of the judge and was asked to hand his phone over for checking. The judge was still undecided about letting the juror go at the end of the June 16 session.
Kanye West Makes Brief Courthouse Visit in Support of Combs
On June 13, Kanye West went to the New York City courthouse to demonstrate his backing to Sean “Diddy” Combs. The “Stronger” rapper was in the building for around 30 minutes and just a momentarily seen in the overflow room, however, he didn’t go to the main courtroom which is for the family, lawyers, media, and the public who watch the long line of people waiting for seats.
Ex-Employee Testifies that Sean Combs Was Mad Over the “Freak Off” Incident Which Jane Attended
“Jane” described a disagreement with Sean “Diddy” Combs that took place after she went to Las Vegas with another rapper and his wife. She said that the trip was made up of sexual voyeurism, an incident with Anton—a prostitute that she and Combs had previously hired—where a group was watching him have sex with a woman in a hotel room.
During cross-examination, conducted by Combs’ lawyer Teny Geragos, Jane mentioned that Combs being there were “freak off” incident and that she was accused by him of going to another man’s “freak off” as a result of which he got mad.
Prosecutors Seek Removal of Juror in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Trial
On the 21st day of the trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey made known that the prosecution was seeking the removal of one of the 12 jurors.
“We were very hesitant to send this letter,” she said, addressing Judge Arun Subramanian before the jury opened the New York City courtroom. “It was a situation that seemed to be non-disclosure of the court, which, for us, are very serious issues.”
Defense lawyer Alexandra Shapiro, in her rebuttal, suggested more time. She said that Juror No. 6 is one of the panel’s Black members. She asked for one or two days to “give our written reply” and “refresh our minds on the case law.”
Judge Subramanian said he would “hold off on dealing with the logistics of the juror” until he makes the final decision.
Heated Exchange Between Jane and Defense During Cross-Examination
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ ex‑girlfriend, known as “Jane” in court, had a spitted and frantic with the defense attorney Teny Geragos a June 10 cross-examination. Geragos asked if Jane had carnal relations with men for expensive things, which she strongly denied.
The lawyer went through the autumn 2021 text messages between Jane and Combs, where she complained to him about his sleeping with other women. As per the variables, she was asking if he had given a Chanel bag to a particular woman after having sex with her.
While testifying Jane said that Combs never gave her a Chanel bag but she was given “trauma”.
Instead of explaining a Bottega bag when Geragos was asking, Jane retorted, “I bet you have one.” In answer to the price, she rather said, “How much does my body cost?”
The court allowed Jane a 10‑minute break after the heated exchange.
Jane Questions Combs’ Sexual Motivation in Testimony
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ ex-girlfriend, “Jane,” said that by 2022 she started doubting the sexual motivation of the rapper. After exploring the nature of their relationship, she decided that Combs was a “cuckold,” a person who gets sexual pleasure from seeing their partner engaging in sexual activities with other people.
“It was more of a comprehension for me,” Jane recalled. “I was just trying to do an exhaustive research of what had given them so much pleasure watching their woman being with other men.”
In her mind, this notion was linked to his demand for “hotel nights” (described in court as similar to Cassie Ventura’s allegations of “freak offs”). Jane was suggesting that perhaps his unfamiliarity with his own sexuality was the cause of such behavior.
“Cucks might also have a genuine curiosity which they are very ashamed of,” she said, “So they do not experience it themselves but only through the woman without actually performing the act.”
Jane Compares NBA Greats to Paul in Eyewitness Account
In her statement, Sean “Diddy” Combs’ ex-girlfriend, named “Jane,” said Paul, an escort whom she and Combs allegedly hired several times, was one of the most remarkable men she was ever with. She further elaborated on the moniker by comparing their sexual affair to the most iconic basketball players.
“I was Kobe Bryant and Paul was Shaq [O’Neal],” she said to the jury. “Combs was Michael Jordan.”
Jane characterized Paul as “very good” and if she “had to” be with prostitutes, she would choose “someone with a loving spirit” to be with her.
Jane Says Combs’ Chief of Staff Impacted Their Relationship
A court witness known as ‘Jane’ reported that Sean “Diddy” Combs’ intimacy with his assistant Kristina Khorram led to conflicts in his love life.
Jane explained to jurors: “She was at his side all the time. Our relationship was hard because of that. I think that she not only had a strong liking for me, but also that it had a great influence on how Sean treated me.”
Formation of New Sentence by Judge Denying Combs’ Second Motion for Mistrial
On June 10, Judge Arun Subramanian refused in toto the second request for a mistrial by the defense of Sean “Diddy” Combs.
In their motion, Combs’ attorneys alleged that during the deposition of Cassie Ventura and her companion Bryana Bongolan, they lied relating to an alleged 2016 incident in which Combs was said to have dangled Bongolan over the 17th-floor balcony of Ventura’s apartment.
The defense charged the prosecution with “misconduct” and alleged that the government had submitted “false materially” testimony “that they knew or should have known” for the purpose of facilitating the case.
“Thus, in order to prevent an unfair conviction, the Court should grant a mistrial,” the letter read.
The judge once again turned down the application, as he did with their former request for a mistrial.
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Ex Details Hours-Long 2024 Beating
“Jane,” Sean “Diddy” Combs’ ex-girlfriend, testified about an alleged hours-long beating in June 2024.
She recounted an argument which escalated because Combs saw a younger woman. She told him to “pedophile” and pushed his head into a marble kitchen counter. After that, Jane ran and hid in the main bedroom, but Combs allegedly tore the door off (photos were proof). When she tried to escape, she alleged that he hit her, so she fell on the ground.
“He put me in a chokehold on the ground, lifted me up, and I couldn’t breathe,” she informed the prosecution. “I was just trying to get out of his grip.”
Jane said that she ran outside, took cover for two hours, but he was still there. They went back to his place, where she lay on the grass to keep herself safe as Combs allegedly went on with his assault.
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Ex Was Allegedly Assaulted and Left With “Golfball-Sized” Welts
Combs’ ex-girlfriend “Jane” spoke of a terrifying fight that resulted in her bodily harm. She accused Combs of starting the violence by hitting her back before he went on.
“He started punching my head,” she told the court. “He started kicking me. He started saying all kinds of things and just kept punching.”
Jane said that Combs accused her of “trying to take him away from his kids and his family.” She remembered begging, “No, I’m not. Just leave me alone. Just leave. Please stop.”
She alleged that Combs then “grabbed me by my arm and my hair and just starts dragging me back to the house … by my hair, by my arm.”
Jane stated that she found “two golfball‑sized welts” on her forehead and a black eye after the alleged attack.
Ex-Worker Shares Information About A Raid By Homeland Security At Her House
“Jane” explained that in March 2023, along with a few other places related to Sean “Diddy” Combs, the authorities went into her house, which was a property that the rapper had bought for her. After the officers showed up at her home, she made a call to Combs’ security chief in order to let him know what was taking place.
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Ex Claims He Threatened to Distribute Intimate Videos
“Jane” asserted that Sean “Diddy” Combs in December 2023 threatened to unfasten their sex tapes and exhibit them to her baby’s father.
As their relationship went downhill, she stated that Combs informed her he was “out of options” so by sharing the videos, he was likely to do so, calling that time “back‑to‑back pressure phone calls.”
Kristina Khorram (Combs’ chief of staff) received a text from Jane about the threats that were shared as evidence. In the texts, Jane claimed that Combs was threatening to upload footage in which she was “heavily drugged.” Besides, she wrote about her “need for time” from Combs to “process all the trauma” that he caused.
Jane informed the court that Khorram made an assurance to her that Combs will not use the footage.
Sean “Diddy” Combs Ex Girlfriend Fainted Upon Reading Cassie Ventura Allegations
“Jane,” the ex-girlfriend of Sean “Diddy” Combs, testified that Cassie Ventura’s November 2023 lawsuit seemed to recapitulate her own interactions with the rapper.
“I nearly fainted, actually, I am not sure I didn’t,” Jane exclaimed, sobbing. “Only three pages were enough to overwhelm me with scenes that were similar to my situation.”
Jane, who referred to their “hotel nights” passion, believed she was perusing “her own story.” She confronted Combs via a text message shown among the court evidence: “Reading your and my sexual trauma, I feel so ill. It is exactly as if it were words for words, drug-filled days and nights. You gaslit me … I am feeling very violated. This was sexual exploitation.”
In a secretly recorded call, Combs told Jane, “These things were done by us together … this is the time I want you to be here.” Jane said she informed him that she was “sick” with Ventura’s allegations.
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Ex of Sean “Diddy” Combs Says She Threw Up at “Hotel Night” Without Any Drugs
As part of her statement, Sean “Diddy” Combs’ ex‑girlfriend, known in court as “Jane,” narrated a moment when she was involved in a “Hotel Night” but chose not to take any drugs.
Jane informed that she ordinarily took ecstasy during these sessions with Combs and the male escorts but there was a time when she decided to be sober during an intimate encounter with three men.
“This was the night I was with several men,” she said. “I got sick. Sean came in, said, ‘You’ll feel better now. Let’s get out of here.’”
She also said that at the end of the night, she was “absolutely horrible” with herself.
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Legal Team Submits Another Mistrial Motion
Combs’ attorneys on June 7, a day after the 18th trial proceeding, launched a second mistrial motion contending that Cassie Ventura and her companion Bryana Bongolan fabricated a story about a 2016 event when Combs allegedly released Bongolan hanging from the 17th-floor balcony of Ventura’s apartment.
An allegation in the document intimated that the prosecuting side carried out “misconduct” by “the improper disclosure of perjured testimony.”
“The government in this trial has supplied testimony which it knew or, at a minimum, should have known was materially false,” the defense stated. “Thus, to prevent a situation of an unjust conviction, the Court here should grant a mistrial.”
Judge Arun Subramanian had already refused the team’s first mistrial request. The defense now alleges that Bongolan’s statement is riddled with contradictions. The prosecutors’ reply is scheduled for June 9, with the judge likely to make a decision the following day.
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Ex Says He Still Pays Her Rent
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ ex-girlfriend, known as “Jane” in the court, mentioned in her testimony that the rap mogul started paying her rent from April 2023, i.e., after two years of their relationship, and is still paying.
She reminisced that during a “hotel night,” Combs put forward the idea of what she termed a “love contract,” whereby he inquired what monthly allowance she required. “I said 15,000 and he said 10,000,” Jane testified.
Jane said she looked for a new house that would be “big and spacious” enough for her and her child based on that budget, a place that could “bring balance” to her relationship with Combs.
This, according to Jane, was an arrangement where she would be given money “for everything without the feeling of pressure for two years” on a regular basis.
