Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is not backing down without a fight. His defense team requested that the judge overturn his convictions, but on Tuesday, the judge firmly declined. He refused to recast Diddy’s “illegal” actions as those of an amateur pornographer. Nevertheless, his defense continued to push forward, presenting the judge with numerous letters of character support and sentencing recommendations from Combs’ family, industry colleagues, and even his former partners.

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In a last-minute move, Diddy himself has stepped up. He submitted a letter requesting mercy and expressing that he is a “changed” man. His team also released an 11-minute documentary-style video showcasing Diddy’s personal and professional achievements. Today marked his first time speaking in court, as he did not testify during the trial.

The decision now lies with Judge Arun Subramanian. Prosecutors are seeking a sentence of at least 11 years and three months for violating the Mann Act, while his defense is advocating for 14 months. Their argument? He has already suffered enough.

Diddy’s Children Give Emotional Statements In Court (LIVE UPDATE)

Six of Diddy’s seven children, including his stepson, Quincy Brown, took to the podium to support their father. Combs’ youngest daughter, Love, is just two years old. Alongside Quincy, Christian, Justin, Chance, and twins D’Lila and Jessie also spoke in court.

According to AP, they gathered at the podium, pleading with the judge for a second chance for their father. The eldest, Quincy, stated that his father “has learned a lesson.” Brown noted that the family has witnessed his transformation, adding, “He is completely transformed.” Meanwhile, Justin expressed:

“My father is my superhero. Seeing him broken down and stripped of everything is something I will never forget.”

Additionally, Justin Combs suggested that despite the challenges faced, it may have ultimately saved his father’s life. During his year in jail, Justin mentioned that Diddy has overcome his drug and alcohol addictions. Chance and D’Lila Combs were visibly emotional as they read prepared statements. D’Lila expressed her fear of losing their father to prison and becoming effectively parentless. Their mother, Kim Porter, passed away in late 2018.

“We are tired of being strong. We have already lost so much. We have lost our mother; we have lost time with our father; and every day he remains incarcerated, we lose more and more. Please, your honor, please,” D’Lila Combs said tearfully, “give our family the chance to heal together, to rebuild, to change, to move forward not as a headline but as human beings. We’re trying to do better.”

Chance Combs stated, “Instead of making excuses, my father now works on ways to improve.” Meanwhile, Christian Combs remarked that their dad has become “more patient, more relaxed, more trusting, more understanding and just a better man” during his time in jail.

“Please give my family grace. Please let my father out,” Christian Combs pleaded. “Please give him mercy.”

The judge thanked the Combs children for their heartfelt statements. “I know how hard it was to stand up here and tell me those things; it’s important for me to hear,” he acknowledged.

For additional live updates from the hearing, keep reading below.

Diddy Sobs During 11-Minute Documentary Video (LIVE UPDATE)

Diddy’s children were not the only ones showing emotion in court. Combs himself displayed signs of distress while listening to his children speak. At times he shook his head in disbelief; when visibly upset, he lowered his head and ran his hands through his grey hair.

After the children finished their speeches, his defense played the 11-minute life montage video in court. The clips featured Diddy with his children or attempting to inspire others—especially children—in public settings. Several minutes into the video, Combs rubbed half of his face and began crying; at times his shoulders shook with emotion. He wiped away tears with one hand before reaching for a tissue to do the same again. See the full video below.

For additional live updates from the hearing, keep reading below.

Sean Combs Addresses Court For The FIRST TIME (LIVE UPDATE)

Diddy was scheduled to be the last person to address the judge today. Wearing glasses, he reviewed his notes and took a deep breath before speaking. He began by thanking the judge for allowing him to “finally speak up for [himself].” Diddy then directly apologized to Cassie and all other victims of domestic violence.

“One of the hardest things I’ve had to handle is having to be quiet—not being able to express how sorry I am for my actions,” Combs told the court according to CNN. “I want to personally apologize again to Cassie Ventura for any harm or hurt that I’ve caused her—emotionally or physically.”

He further apologized to domestic violence victims while highlighting the “disgusting and deplorable video” that triggered reactions worldwide. “Domestic violence will always be a heavy burden that I will forever carry,” Combs added.

Apart from losing his businesses and career, Combs stated he lost his self-respect. “I’ve been humbled and broken to my core. I hate myself right now. I got stripped down to nothing.” 

Diddy also addressed and apologized to his seven children, acknowledging that they “deserve better.” He then turned toward his mother, Janice Combs; reportedly emotional when apologizing for failing her as a son.

“You taught me better. You raised me better. I know that much is given; much is expected. I failed my community.”

Diddy expressed that as a child he aspired to be a “shining example” of what people of color could achieve—owning businesses and creating wealth—but admitted he “got lost.” “I’m not this bad person. I’m sorry to my community for letting y’all down.” 

Turning toward the judge, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs openly requested—and then pleaded—for “mercy.” He acknowledged he cannot change his past but promised to change his future while asking for another opportunity to be a father, son, and community leader who gets the help he needs.

“I don’t have anyone else to blame but myself. I know I’ll never put my hands on another person again. I know that I’ve learned my lesson and am willing to comply with any conditions set by the court,” Diddy reportedly stated.

Diddy concluded by thanking his children once more and informing the judge they serve as his motivation against repeating past mistakes since he knows they need him.

“I know the prosecution wants you to make an example of me; I just want you to consider making an example of what someone can achieve if given another chance,” Diddy said earnestly. “If you give me another chance, I won’t let you down—and evidence of that is those beautiful children who spoke on my behalf.”

The court then took a five-minute break before proceeding with sentencing.

Judge Accepts Recommendation Of 70-87 Months In Prison (LIVE UPDATE)

The judge began by greeting everyone present before discussing changes in sentencing terms following objections from both sides regarding presentencing reports. He determined that conduct from which Diddy was acquitted could still be factored into sentencing considerations—evidence from the trial involving Cassie’s transportation along with male sex workers would also be taken into account. Furthermore, Judge Subramanian indicated that Diddy’s challenge regarding factual guilt raised concerns.

“In general, the narrative presented by him and his attorneys—that this case involves nothing more than adults paying for time rather than sex—is flatly inconsistent with reality…”, reported the judge.

The judge reminded everyone that Diddy organized sex parties where escorts were hired using funds from him directly paying them off—while acknowledging some expressions of remorse from Combs regarding certain actions but not regarding arranging travel for escorts or girlfriends involved in paid lewd acts.

“Combs has challenged his factual guilt full-throatedly—even after trial,”, stated the judge according to CNN.

The advisory sentence recommended by probation for Diddy’s case ranges between 70 and 87 months—equating roughly five years and ten months up until seven years and three months imprisonment duration overall according CNN’s report indicating no reason seen by him deviating from this recommendation while declining enhancements proposed by prosecutors suggesting nine up until eleven years instead—also noting guidelines indicating potential fines ranging between $25K up until $250K though final determinations remain pending later today.

For additional live updates from the hearing keep reading below.

MOMENTS FROM INSIDE THE COURTROOM (LIVE UPDATES)

• Diddy Arrives at Court: Sean Combs arrived at courthouse after being detained since September 2024 at Metro Detention Center Brooklyn where same presiding Judge denied bail twice leading up this point allowing grace permitting him wear non-jail attire—a light-colored sweater over button-down shirt paired dark slacks according Associated Press account noting visible graying hair due lack access hair dye while incarcerated.