Courtroom illustration
Convicted entertainment tycoon Sean "Diddy" Combs has penned a letter to the presiding judge handling his criminal trial, seeking compassion during his sentencing on Friday and attributing his past behaviour on narcotics dependency.
In the four-page missive, he says sorry "for all of the hurt and pain that I have caused" and asserts that he has been reformed after spending 13 months in a New York detention facility.
The letter on Thursday comes just before his sentencing hearing at 10:00 ET (15:00GMT) on Friday.
In July, he was found guilty of two solicitation offenses and now could receive up to 20 years in incarceration. Prosecutors are advocating for a punishment of at least 11 years, but Combs' legal team are arguing that he be set free later this month.
Message to Former Partner
In his written statement to Judge Arun Subramanian, Combs apologises for attacking his previous romantic interest, singer Casandra Ventura, stating: "I completely lost control".
"I'm regretful of that and always will be," he adds. "My family abuse will always be significant weight that I will have to enduringly shoulder."
He also offers apologies to an unidentified female who gave evidence during the trial under the name "Jane" and states he became "lost in the drugs and the excess".
"I lost my way," he penned. "My decline was originated from my egoism. I have been brought low and shattered to my essence."
Victims' Perspectives
Combs' accusers have also sent letters to the presiding officer, explaining how he used his authority and status to damage their wellbeing, and their apprehensions that he would seek revenge if released.
"I am so scared that if he gains freedom, his primary responses will be quick revenge towards me and others who spoke up," wrote Ms Ventura.
She added that she is convinced he warrants a long sentence, writing: "He has no desire to reform or making positive changes. He will always be the same mean, domineering, calculating man that he is."
Rehabilitation Claims
In his written appeal, Combs describes educating a course to fellow inmates on "what I did to become a prosperous entrepreneur", characterizing himself as a changed person who is now sober for the first time in 25 years.
"The person I used to be expired during incarceration and new version of me was resurrected," he declares.
Combs proceeds to seek leniency from the official, "not only for my benefit, but for the sake of my children". He petitioned the judicial officer to factor in his seven children, and his 84-year-old mother who experienced neurological operation.
He observes that the judge might be inclined to set a precedent with his case and instead requests that he be made an example of "what a human being can do if given a second chance".
Judicial Process
Combs is also anticipated to make statements in the judicial chamber on Friday before the presiding officer pronounces his ruling. His legal representatives are also slated to speak, and his defence team also plans to show a 15-minute video. It's unknown what the footage may contain.
In July, a legal tribunal cleared him of the most serious accusations: organized crime and commercial sexual exploitation - which could have resulted in him serving a life sentence behind bars. He was found guilty of two counts of facilitating prostitution-related travel.
The prosecution say he is "unrepentant" and maintained the music artist should serve a at least 11 years in detention.
"The defendant tries to recast decades of abuse as simply the result of equally damaging partnerships," legal representatives expressed in a late September submission. "But there is nothing mutual about a partnership where a single party wields total authority and the other party becomes injured and battered."
