Sean 'Diddy' Combs Breaks Down In Court Begging For Mercy, Judge Says Rapper Can Never 'Wash Away' His Crimes

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mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs has been sentenced to 50 months in prison for his conviction on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, a New York court has ruled. Judge Arun Subramanian, who presided over the case, said a substantial sentence was necessary "to send a message to abusers and victims alike that exploitation and violence against women is met with real accountability." He also imposed a $500,000 fine, the maximum allowed under the law.

Judge Arun's Statement On Diddy Case

Speaking directly to the defendant, the judge said Combs will not be able to 'wash away' his crimes, and that his past conduct "will forever be associated" with him. "You are going to get through this. There is a light at the end of the tunnel," said the judge quoting his own children, sister and mother in their letters to the judge. Further, he added, "The same power you used to hurt women, you can use to help them. I’m counting on you to make the most of your second chance."

Combs' Plead For Mercy

Immediately before the sentencing decision, Combs pleaded with Judge Subramanian for 'mercy' in a tearful speech. At his sentencing, the rapper apologised for all his doings and said, "My actions were disgusting, shameful and sick. I was sick. Sick from the drugs. … I needed help, but I didn’t get the help. I make no excuses for my actions because I knew better, my mother raised me better.""I got lost in excess. I got lost in my ego. I’ve been humbled, broken to my core, I hate myself right now. I’ll never put my hands on another person again," he concluded. Combs, 55, had faced a range of potential penalties. His lawyers had argued for a sentence of no more than 14 months, while prosecutors sought more than 11 years in prison. A jury had previously acquitted him of more serious charges, including sex trafficking and running a racketeering conspiracy spanning two decades.However, he gets credit for time served since his arrest. Combs has already spent 12 months at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. Hence, the current sentence means that he will have to remain incarcerated until late 2028.