What Sean “Diddy” Combs Told His 7 Kids and Mom During Sentencing

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Sean “Diddy” Combs had an emotional message for his family.

The music and business executive became emotional while speaking to his children-Quincy Taylor Brown, 34, Justin Combs, 31, Christian “King” Combs, 27, and his 18-year-old twins, Chance Combs, D’Lila Combs and Jessie Combs, along with Love Combs, 2-during his sentencing on October 3rd for charges related to arranging travel for prostitution. (He received a 50-month prison sentence, plus five years of supervised release and a $500,000 fine for his crimes.)

Combs stated he wanted to apologize to his seven children, then addressed his mother, Janice Combs, as reported by NBC News. He continued, saying, “My mother, you taught me better. You raised me better.”

He stated, “I would never put my family at risk. Regardless of what others claim, I now genuinely regret everything that happened.”

During the rest of his statement, the 55-year-old explained he wanted to “personally apologize” to his former partner, Cassie Ventura-who gave testimony against him in court-for “any pain or suffering I’ve inflicted on her, either emotionally or physically.”

He went on to say that the experience of domestic violence would always be a difficult weight for him to bear. He described his behavior as disgusting, shameful, and deeply wrong. He explained that he was struggling with drug use, which caused him to lose control and desperately need help-help he didn’t receive. He stated he couldn’t offer any justification for his actions.

While Combs acknowledged that he “can’t change the past,” he vowed to “change the future.”

He pleaded with Judge Arun Subramanian for leniency, saying, “I just want the chance to be a father again.” He took full responsibility for his actions, stating, “I know I’m the only one to blame.” He promised the judge, “I will never again use violence against anyone. I’ve truly learned from this, and I will follow any rules the court sets for me.”

He went on to say, “I have absolutely nothing beyond my family-they are everything to me. I’m not interested in fame or wealth.”

Prior to sentencing, Combs’ children testified on his behalf, with Christian describing the Bad Boy Records founder as “the greatest in the world.”

“He’s always been my hero, and he always will be,” Christian said, referencing Combs, whom he shared with the late Kim Porter. He added, “He consistently taught me the importance of treating women with respect.”

At the same time, D’Lila mentioned her youngest sister, Love, as she asked the judge to be lenient with her father’s sentencing.

My 2-year-old sister keeps asking, ‘Where’s Dad?’ It reminds me of growing up without our mother,” she said. “It’s a pain that will never go away. We’re exhausted from having to be strong all the time. We’ve already suffered so many losses – our mother, and now our father. We just want the opportunity to heal and rebuild our lives together.”

For more on the case against Combs, read on.

At the hearing on Oct. 3, 2025, the judge gave him a sentence of 50 months in prison-which is more than four years-followed by five years of supervised release and a $500,000 fine.

The musician addressed the court for the first time during his sentencing on October 3rd, offering an apology to Cassie Ventura and a person identified as “Jane“.

“Dealing with the consequences of domestic violence will be a lifelong struggle for me,” Combs stated. “What I did was appalling, embarrassing, and deeply wrong. I was unwell, overwhelmed by drug use, and lost control. I desperately needed assistance, but I didn’t receive it, and I offer no excuses for my behavior.”

He went on to share how the case has impacted him.

“I’m just a person who made mistakes and did the best I could,” he explained. “I let my pride and excesses get the better of me, and as a result, I lost my freedom – the chance to be a father to my children and support my mother. I lost everything I built – my businesses, my career – and ruined my good name. But more than anything, I lost respect for myself. This has completely humbled and devastated me. I deeply regret my actions and feel like I have nothing left.”

In July, Judge Arun Subramanian set Combs’ sentencing date for October 3, 2025. The judge rejected Combs’ request for release on bail before the sentencing, explaining that the rapper had a “years-long pattern of violence” and should remain in jail.

Following the trial where Combs was acquitted of charges related to racketeering and sex trafficking involving both Cassie and “Jane,” but convicted of transporting them for the purpose of prostitution, the singer’s attorney responded to the verdicts.

The legal proceedings began when our client, Cassie Ventura, bravely filed a civil lawsuit in November 2023,” Douglas Wigdor stated in a July 2nd announcement to TopMob News. “While the jury didn’t find Combs guilty of sex trafficking Cassie with enough evidence, her actions allowed them to find him guilty of transporting someone for the purpose of prostitution. By sharing her story, Cassie has made a lasting impact on the entertainment world and the pursuit of justice.”

Acknowledging the charges – to which Combs entered a plea of not guilty – Wigdor stated, “We need to emphasize, without any doubt, that we stand with and support our client, who demonstrated remarkable bravery during the entire process.”

Oh my gosh, I was SO impressed with Ventura! She was one of the 34 incredible witnesses who stood up and testified during Diddy’s 29-day trial. And Wigdor – she totally praised Ventura’s effort, and rightfully so! She was amazing!

He added, “She demonstrated remarkable courage and shed light on the behavior of influential men and the abuse that has gone on for years without consequences.” He stated, “This situation clearly shows that significant improvements are needed, and we remain dedicated to supporting those who have survived.”

After learning he was found not guilty on three of the five charges in his federal case, Combs-who could have faced life in prison if convicted on everything-dropped to his knees and bowed his head into a chair, appearing to pray, according to NBC News reporters present in the courtroom.

As I understand it from reports, there was a really emotional scene in the courtroom. Apparently, the Combs family was right there, applauding and cheering after the verdict. It was a big moment for them, of course. The defense team was clearly relieved, hugging each other, and I saw that Combs himself shared a warm hug with his lawyer, Brian Steel – a real show of support and gratitude after a tough battle.

On July 2nd, the jury of 12 people announced their decisions regarding the five federal charges against Combs in his sex trafficking case. After three days of discussion, the jurors found him guilty on two counts of transporting individuals for the purpose of prostitution, involving both a former girlfriend, Ventura, and another woman known only as “Jane.”

Sean Combs-who maintained his innocence regarding all accusations-was acquitted of one charge of racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking.

The jury informed U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian that they couldn’t agree on the racketeering charge – they had differing opinions that couldn’t be resolved – the day before they were scheduled to announce their decision. Judge Subramanian spoke to the jury and urged them to keep discussing the case. They ultimately reached a verdict just hours after resuming deliberations the following day.

Prosecutor Christy Slavik addressed the jury for four hours and fifty minutes, summarizing the case and claiming that Sean “Diddy” Combs consistently relied on intimidation, force, and control to achieve his goals.

Oh my gosh, she *said* it! It’s so true! He was just… relentless. He wouldn’t accept ‘no’ – ever! It was like, everything revolved around him, you know? It wasn’t just a job or anything, it was his whole world. Everyone existed purely to cater to him, to serve him. It was his kingdom, and we were all just… there for him. I always knew it, *always*!

Slavik highlighted two incidents involving Sean Combs: a physical assault on his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in 2016, and a reported assault on his then-girlfriend in 2024, who is known as “Jane” during the course of the trial.

She explained, “Although these two events happened eight years apart, they’re actually part of the same overall narrative.” She continued, “Think of them as chapters within a single book – the story of Sean Combs and the criminal organization he headed, comprised of those closest to him.”

She went on to say that the criminal group consistently fulfilled the defendant’s wishes by using a deliberate pattern of violence, intimidation, and control. The defendant believed that people would stay quiet and be ashamed to reveal his crimes, and he thought his celebrity, money, and influence meant he was untouchable by the law.

Slavik contended that during the trial, Combs benefited from a large team of assistants. She characterized them as dedicated to fulfilling his every need, enhancing his image, and safeguarding his reputation no matter the expense.

The prosecution filed a document with the court asking for permission to change some details of their arguments regarding the attempted arson and kidnapping charges. They want to revise their original theories about how these crimes were committed and what evidence supports them. This filing essentially asks the court to allow them to modify their case.

Despite still being charged with racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking-including accusations of kidnapping and arson-prosecutors stated in a letter dated June 24th that they had removed parts of the charges related to attempted kidnapping under the laws of both California and New York, attempted arson under California law, and assisting in sex trafficking.

The government also stated it hopes that making the language simpler will not only make the instructions easier to follow, but also avoid any potential misunderstandings.

Combs told JudgeSubramanian that he will not take the stand during his sex trafficking trial.

The judge made it clear that, no matter what the rap mogul chose to do, “no one – not even the jury – could assume he was guilty just because he didn’t take the stand.”

As someone who often advises on navigating tricky situations, let me tell you, I recently had a conversation with my team regarding potential testimony. I want to be clear: the decision to discuss this internally was entirely my own. It was solely my call, and I take full responsibility. I wanted to make sure everyone was on the same page, and that’s why I brought it up – it wasn’t influenced by anyone else. You can read more about responsible leadership here.

“I’ve given this a lot of thought, and this is what I’ve decided,” he told the judge. “It’s entirely my choice, and I’m standing by it.”

According to Teny Garagos, Combs’ lawyer, both the defense and the prosecution anticipate needing “at least four hours” apiece to deliver their closing statements to the judge.

After Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Joseph Cerciello finished several days of testimony as a witness for the prosecution on June 24th, the defense will start presenting its case. Combs’ legal team has announced they won’t be calling any witnesses and will instead concentrate on the evidence that has already been submitted.

During Ceriello’s testimony on June 23rd, the jury saw explicit videos. NBC News reporters present in the courtroom stated these videos seemed to be from events Combs referred to as “freak offs,” and they were officially presented as evidence.

The special agent reported finding 50 explicit videos dating from 2021 and 2022, but the jury only viewed two of these files – they used headphones and individual screens to do so.

In voicemails to his former chief of staff Kristina Khorram from June 23, Combs outlined a number of requests he had while staying at a hotel in November 2021. These included asking for more baby oil, something he said he often used when he was upset-referring to these moments as “freak offs.”

He told Khorram, “Have them call me before they start driving.” Then, seemingly surprised to be released, he added, “I can’t believe I’m out. Let’s put 20 bottles in this thing.”

In addition to Khorram staying at the hotel for one more day, she responded, “OK. The baby oil is right outside the door.”

According to text messages, his ex-employee messaged him saying she was getting an IV drip ready for him and Jane. He had used this as part of a recovery process after at least one competitive physical challenge, as revealed in the group chat messages.

She also made sure that there were Plan-B pills, an emergency contraceptive, in his nightstand.

The jury saw a collection of text messages exchanged between Combs and Ventura. In these messages, the singer of “Long Way 2 Go” openly shared how the alleged abuse was affecting her.

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve seen so many relationships struggle with communication, and this situation is a perfect example. Back in March 2017, after Combs asked Ventura – who he’d been dating on and off for about ten years, from 2007 to 2018 – if they should take some time apart, her response was incredibly raw. She told him, “No. I just don’t want to be beat down for being defiant or ever. You treat me and make me feel like I don’t matter.” It’s a heartbreaking statement, really highlighting a need for respect and equal partnership. It shows how damaging it is when someone feels consistently undervalued in a relationship.

In another instance, she further accused her ex of physically assaulting her. 

“I offered you my love, but the moment I looked away, and you messed up, you physically pulled me around by my hair. I’m 30 years old,” Ventura wrote to him that May. “This isn’t a game anymore. Last night, I felt as though I was dying, and it was surreal because witnessing my own strength was so inspiring.”

Sean Combs’ former assistant, Brendan Paul-who worked for him from 2022 to 2024-stated in court that he bought drugs for Combs several times. These drugs included “Marijuana, 2C, cocaine, ketamine, ecstasy.”

Paul explained that they would contact the drug dealer by text, and the dealer would then come to one of their houses. He also remembered being fired on several occasions for different reasons, including once for forgetting a Lululemon fanny pack. “I first met them through texts or phone calls,” he said of the dealer.

However, Paul vehemently denied being a “drug mule” for the rap mogul.

Judge Subramanian ended the court session for the day on June 18th because one of the jurors was unable to return due to feeling sick. (Please note that court will also be closed on June 19th for Juneteenth.)

The judge stated, “We have a juror who is unwell and unable to attend. They experienced dizziness and had to return home.” The judge continued, “The juror’s partner informed us. Since this juror is a member of the main jury, it seems we will be unable to proceed with the trial today.” More information will be provided as it becomes available.

The judge pointed out that it’s not yet known if the juror’s sudden vertigo-causing dizziness, nausea, and headaches, among other effects-will be short-lived or continue long-term, but stated they would “monitor the situation.”

Since the court is closed on June 19 for Juneteenth, Judge Subramanian stated the trial will continue on June 20 with a shorter session, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Just after Judge Subramanian removed Juror No. 6 due to inconsistent statements about where he lives, another juror is potentially facing removal. This is because of an alleged inappropriate discussion about the case with a past coworker. The juror was questioned by the judge and, according to NBC News, turned over his phone for review.

By the close of the court session on June 16, a decision regarding the member’s dismissal hadn’t been reached.

Kanye West showed up at the New York City courthouse on June 13th to support Sean Combs. The “Stronger” rapper spent roughly 30 minutes at the courthouse, briefly stopping by the waiting area but didn’t go inside the courtroom itself. The courtroom is mainly for Combs’ family and lawyers, and also for members of the press and people who have been waiting in line for hours to get a seat.

Jane remembered a disagreement they had after she took a trip to Las Vegas with a different rapper and his spouse.

She stated that this resulted in the act of watching someone engage in sexual activity. Specifically, after she contacted Anton, a sex worker she and Combs frequently employed, a group of individuals observed him having sex with a woman in a hotel room while they were traveling.

Jane informed Combs’ lawyer, Geragos, that the music executive was angry because he believed she had gone to a sexually suggestive event with another man. He used the phrase “freak off” to describe it.

During the 21st day of the Combs trial, Maurene Comey, a prosecutor with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, told the court that her team wants to dismiss one of the 12 jurors.

“We really didn’t want to submit this letter,” she explained to Judge Subramanian just before the jury came into the New York City courtroom. “It seemed dishonest to the court, and that’s a major concern for us.”

Defense lawyer Alexandra Shapiro-noting that Juror No. 6 is one of the Black jurors-requested a day or two to submit a written response and review relevant legal precedents.

In reply, Judge Subramanian stated he would “delay making arrangements for” the juror until a ruling is reached.

 

On June 10th, Jane and Garagos had a difficult conversation where Garagos implied the witness was exchanging sexual favors for expensive gifts. 

I’ve been following this case closely, and it’s really heartbreaking to see the details come out. Apparently, Geragos reviewed text messages from November 2021 between Jane and Combs. From what I understand, she was incredibly upset to learn he was being intimate with other women. The texts actually show her directly asking Combs if he’d given one of these other women “a Chanel bag” afterwards. It’s just… a lot to process, and really paints a disturbing picture.

Jane said that she didn’t get a Chanel purse from Combs, telling Garagos that she “got trauma.”

When the attorney asked what a Bottega bag was, she replied, “I’m sure you have one.”

And when Geragos asked how much the item costs, Jane asked, “How much does my body cost?”

Jane was granted a 10-minute break following the exchange.

Jane stated that in approximately 2022, after researching her relationship with Combs, she came to believe he was a “cuckhold”-someone who derives enjoyment from watching their partner with another person. She described this as her understanding of their sexual dynamic.

“It helped me understand things better,” she explained, describing her motivation for the research. “I was really trying to thoroughly investigate all the reasons why they enjoyed watching their partner with other men.”

The witness suggested that Combs’ interest in “hotel nights”-experiences very similar to Ventura’s “freak offs”-might stem from him exploring his own sexuality.

She testified that individuals with these tendencies might possess a genuine curiosity they feel too embarrassed to explore personally, and therefore use a woman as a proxy to satisfy that curiosity without participating directly. “Cucks could also have a real curiosity that they’re too ashamed to experience themselves,” she testified, “and so they use the woman to venture out in this curiosity without actually doing the act itself.”

Jane stated that she gave Paul-an escort she and Combs hired several times-the nickname “Trifecta.” She explained she chose the name because she felt their sexual relationship was as successful as the winning plays of famous basketball players.

“I was Kobe Bryant and Paul was Shaq [O’Neil],” she told jurors. “Combs was Michael Jordan.”

She said Paul was “really nice,” and added that if she “had to” engage with escorts, she preferred “someone with a warm energy.”

Okay, so I was reading the testimony, and apparently Jane said that Puff’s relationship with Farrah was a *huge* issue. Like, it was a “point of contention” – that’s what she called it – in her own romance with him. Honestly, it’s just fascinating to learn all the details! It really adds layers to everything, you know? It was a big problem for her while she was with him.

“She was constantly by his side,” Jane explained, referring to Khorram. “It created problems for Sean and me. I think she felt very strongly about me, and that affected how Sean behaved towards me.”

On June 10th, Judge Subramanian rejected a request for a mistrial from Combs’ lawyers. They had claimed that Ventura and her friend Bryana Bongolan were not truthful about Bongolan being threatened with being dropped from the 17th-floor balcony by the rapper.

His legal team, who had previously sought a mistrial but were unsuccessful, claimed in their court document that the prosecution engaged in “misconduct” by presenting “perjured testimony.”

The letter claims that during the trial, the government presented evidence they either knew was false, or should have known was false, regarding their claim that Mr. Combs threatened Bryana Bongolan by holding her over the balcony of Cassie Ventura’s apartment in September 2016. Therefore, the letter argues, to prevent an unjust conviction, the Court should declare a mistrial.

Jane alleged that the rap mogul had beaten her for hours June 2024.

Jane stated that an argument started between her and Combs because he was seeing a woman much younger than him – 25 years younger, she specified. This, Jane explained, caused her to call him a “pedophile” and physically push his head against a marble kitchen counter.

The witness stated she hid in the main bedroom, and Sean Combs began trying to force the door open. (Pictures of the damaged door were shown as evidence.) She claimed that while attempting to escape, the Bad Boy Records founder kicked her in the back of her leg, causing her to fall.

She told the prosecution that he pinned her to the ground in a chokehold, then lifted her up. “I couldn’t breathe, and I was standing on my tippy toes,” she said. “I was just trying to get free.”

Jane stated she quickly left the house and concealed herself behind an outdoor wall for about two hours, waiting for him to go away, but he stayed. She then said they went back to his house, and she huddled in the backyard, trying to shield herself while Combs reportedly assaulted her.

Jane testified that the fight got worse after Combs supposedly hit her in the back. “He began punching my head,” she stated to the court. “He then started kicking me, yelling various things while continuing to punch.”

She alleged that he told her that she was “trying to take him away from his kids and his family.” 

She testified that she told him, ‘No, I’m not. Please just leave me alone. Just go. Please stop.’ Then, she said, he grabbed her by the arm and hair and began dragging her back towards the house… pulling her by her hair and arm.”

Following the reported attack, Jane stated she noticed “two welts about the size of golf balls” on her forehead, and she also had a black eye.

Jane stated that investigators with Homeland Security raided her home – which Sean Combs paid for in March 2023 – as well as several other properties owned by him. She explained that when agents arrived at her house, she immediately contacted Combs’ chief of security to inform him of what was happening.

Jane claimed that the powerful businessman threatened to share intimate videos of them with her child’s father in December 2023.

As Jane and Combs’ relationship worsened, she stated that he told her he had “nothing to lose” by sharing the videos. She explained in court, “It was just back-to-back pressure phone calls.”

She told Khorram about what happened, and this conversation became part of the official record. In her messages, Jane explained that Combs was threatening to release the video, and she stated she was “heavily drugged” in it.

I read that she said she really needed some space from Combs. She explained she was working through all the pain and trauma he’d caused her, and just needed time away to do that.

Jane told the court that Khorram assured her that Combs would not use the footage.

During her testimony, Jane stated that certain aspects of Ventura’s lawsuit from November 2023-which was eventually resolved-were similar to what she herself went through with Combs.

“I nearly passed out, and I believe I actually did,” she shared with the jury, tears welling up. “There were three particular pages that were deeply upsetting and directly related to what I was going through.”

Jane, a participant in the “hotel nights,” shared that the experience felt like she was reading her own story. This prompted her to reach out to Combs directly through text messages.

In screenshots presented as evidence, she wrote that reading Ventura’s lawsuit felt like reliving her own sexual trauma. She expressed feeling ill, stating the lawsuit detailed exactly her experiences – “word for word,” including descriptions of “drug-filled days and nights.” She accused him of anticipating the lawsuit and of gaslighting her, leading her to feel “crazy.”

“I’m deeply upset and felt pressured to engage in activity repeatedly,” the messages went on to say. “You made me question my own feelings and experience related to past sexual trauma. I feel extremely violated. What happened was sexual exploitation.”

Combs then called Jane and secretly recorded their conversation, which was later presented as evidence. During the call, he told her they “did these things together” and stated that “this is when” he required her “to be there.”

Jane, unaware she was being recorded, shared with Combs that she felt sick to her stomach after reviewing Ventura’s documents. She told Combs this, expressing her discomfort after reading them.

Jane stated that during her involvement in “Hotel Nights” with Combs and male escorts, she frequently used ecstasy. However, on one particular occasion, she chose to abstain from drugs while engaging in sexual activity with three men.

She testified that she had been with several men that night. She vomited, and then Sean came in and said, ‘You’ll feel better now. Let’s go outside.’

Jane said that at the end of the night, she felt “absolutely terrible.”

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2025-10-04 00:50