Usher is speaking out about Sean “Diddy” Combs’ influence.
As someone who’s followed the entertainment industry for years, I’ve been watching the recent developments surrounding Sean Combs closely. I recently spoke about the allegations against him, and while acknowledging the seriousness of the situation – he’s currently serving a sentence – I also wanted to highlight his significant influence as a business leader. It’s a complex situation, and it’s important to look at the whole picture.
In a recent interview with Forbes, Usher (whose full name is Usher Raymond IV) was asked to play a word association game and share the first thing that came to mind when he heard the name ‘Combs’.
Usher explained that he believes some talented people aren’t always appreciated and can even face unfair treatment. He specifically said he doesn’t share the negative views others have of Sean Combs, as his own experience with him was different from what’s been publicly reported.
Okay, look, he’s not claiming anyone’s a saint, and yeah, everyone messes up. But honestly, how can you not see how incredible this man was? He didn’t just do things, he paved the way for us – Black entrepreneurs, business owners, people who actually built something from their ideas. He took culture, took concepts, and turned them into real, lasting things. It’s just…amazing, and I can’t stand anyone who doesn’t get that.
Usher recognizes the significant influence this artist had, stating, “Many people gained something positive from his work, and I want to acknowledge that.”
Usher, 47, described Sean Combs as a challenging but valuable mentor who taught him important lessons as his career began to flourish. He felt like Combs was a strict teacher who helped him learn and improve quickly, right as he was gaining momentum.
Even now, he recognizes Combs’ lasting impact, praising his ability to successfully turn cultural trends into profit – creating something that appealed to everyone, regardless of race. He describes it as being about money, not color.
I see him as a truly remarkable man, and that’s how I prefer to remember him. I have a lot of respect for his name because I realized he taught me valuable business lessons – lessons I absorbed just by watching how skillfully he operated and presented himself.
Usher spoke out shortly after records from the Federal Bureau of Prisons, obtained by TopMob News, showed that Sean Combs’ release date had been moved forward to April 25, 2028, from its original date in May 2028.
Sean Combs, 56, who is a father to Quincy (34), Justin (32), Christian “King” (27), Chance (18), and twins D’Lila and Jessie (both 18), as well as Love Sean Combs (3), had previously apologized for his actions. He told the judge during sentencing that his past behavior was “disgusting, shameful, and sick.”
He explained that he’s just a regular person who made mistakes. He admitted getting carried away with his lifestyle and letting his ego take over. As a result of his choices, he lost his freedom and the chance to be a present father to his children and support his mother, according to NBC News.
Combs expressed feeling deeply shaken and devastated, admitting he’s currently struggling with intense self-criticism and feels completely vulnerable.
With tears in his eyes, he vowed he would always protect his family. He expressed deep remorse for his actions, stating he was truly sorry, regardless of what others might say.
Keep reading for more details on the trial against Combs.
At the hearing on October 3, 2025, the judge gave him a sentence of 50 months in prison—more than four years—followed by five years of supervised release and a $500,000 fine.
The musician publicly apologized to Cassie Ventura and Jane, identifying them as victims, during his sentencing hearing on October 3rd. This was the first time he had spoken about the case in court.
Combs acknowledged that the trauma of domestic violence would stay with him for life. He described his behavior as appalling and deeply regrettable, admitting he was struggling with severe drug addiction and a lack of control. He stated he needed assistance but didn’t receive it, and he takes full responsibility without offering any justifications.
He went on to share how the case has impacted him.
He explained that he was simply trying his best, but his pride and excesses led him astray. As a result of his choices, he lost his freedom, couldn’t be there for his family – his children and mother – and lost everything he’d worked for: his businesses, his career, and his good name. Most importantly, he lost his own self-respect. He feels completely humbled, broken, and stripped of everything he once was, admitting he currently despises himself.
Judge Arun Subramanian set Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sentencing date for October 3, 2025. The judge also refused to grant Combs bail before the sentencing, explaining that his history of violent behavior meant he should stay in jail.
Following the trial, after Sean “Diddy” Combs was acquitted of racketeering and sex trafficking charges involving his former partners, Cassie and “Jane,” but convicted of transporting them for the purpose of prostitution, his attorney issued a statement regarding the outcome.
Attorney Douglas Wigdor stated on July 2nd that the legal proceedings began when his client, Cassie Ventura, bravely filed a lawsuit in November 2023. While the jury didn’t find enough evidence to convict Combs of sex trafficking, Ventura’s actions allowed them to find him liable for transporting someone for the purpose of prostitution. Wigdor emphasized that Ventura’s courage has had a lasting impact on the entertainment industry and the pursuit of justice.
Acknowledging the charges Combs denied, Wigdor emphasized, “We firmly stand by our client and commend her bravery throughout this process.”
Wigdor also commended Ventura for her testimony, as she was one of 34 witnesses during the 29-day trial involving Combs.
He stated that she demonstrated incredible courage by exposing the harmful behavior of influential men and the long history of unchecked misconduct. He emphasized that this situation clearly shows the need for significant change, and they will continue to support those who have experienced abuse.
When Combs learned he was found not guilty on three of the five charges against him, he dropped to his knees and bowed his head as if in prayer, according to NBC News reporters who were present in the courtroom. He had faced a potential life sentence if convicted on all counts.
According to reports, Combs’ family members were in the courtroom and reacted with applause and cheers to the outcome. His lawyers embraced each other, and Combs shared a hug with his attorney, Brian Steel.
After three days of discussion, the jury of twelve reached a decision in the sex trafficking trial of Combs on July 2nd. They found him guilty on two counts related to transporting former girlfriends, Ventura and a woman known only as “Jane,” for the purpose of prostitution.
Sean Combs, who maintained his innocence, was acquitted of charges related to racketeering and sex trafficking. Specifically, he was found not guilty of one racketeering conspiracy charge and two counts of sex trafficking.
The jury informed Judge Arun Subramanian they couldn’t agree on the racketeering charge before delivering their final decision, citing strongly held, differing opinions. The judge urged them to keep discussing the case, and they ultimately reached a verdict a few hours after resuming deliberations the next day.
Prosecutor Christy Slavik told jurors that Sean “Diddy” Combs used intimidation, violence, and his influence to control people and get what he desired, during a nearly five-hour closing statement.
She explained that he was impossible to dissuade. He saw everything as his own domain and expected everyone around him to cater to his needs.
Slavik highlighted two instances of alleged abuse by Combs: a physical assault on his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in 2016, and a more recent alleged assault in 2024 on a girlfriend who is being referred to as “Jane” throughout the trial.
Although eight years apart, these two events are connected, representing different parts of the same overall story – the story of Sean Combs and the criminal organization he ran with the help of his close associates.
The prosecution argued that the criminal organization consistently fulfilled the defendant’s wishes using a calculated pattern of violence, intimidation, and control. They stated that he relied on the fear of speaking out and the resulting shame to conceal his actions, believing his celebrity, money, and influence meant he was untouchable by the law.
As a lifestyle expert, I’ve seen firsthand how much support successful people often rely on. In this case, it was clear that Combs had a dedicated team – a whole crew of people whose sole job was to anticipate his needs, build up his image, and shield him from any negative publicity. They really went above and beyond to make sure everything ran smoothly and his reputation stayed spotless.
Okay, so the lawyers are trying to change what they originally said about how he tried to burn everything down and take her! They filed something with the court, basically asking the judge if they can tweak their whole story. It’s like they’re realizing things didn’t exactly happen how they first thought, and they need to adjust their arguments. I’m following every detail, and this is HUGE! It means they’re getting closer to proving everything, I just know it!
Despite still being charged with racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking – including accusations of kidnapping and arson – prosecutors have clarified the charges. In a letter dated June 24th, they stated they’ve removed specific legal instructions related to attempted kidnapping in both California and New York, attempted arson under California law, and assisting with sex trafficking.
The government also stated it hopes using simpler language will make the instructions easier to follow and prevent misunderstandings.
Combs told JudgeSubramanian that he will not take the stand during his sex trafficking trial.
The judge made it clear that whether or not the defendant chose to testify, no one – not even the jury – could assume his guilt based on his silence.
Combs admitted he discussed with his team whether or not to testify, but insisted the decision was entirely his own.
“I’ve thought this through carefully, and this is what I’ve decided,” he told the judge. “It’s my decision, and I stand by it.”
Diddy’s lawyer, Teny Garagos, informed the judge that both sides – the defense and the prosecution – anticipate their closing statements will each last at least four hours.
After several days of testimony from Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Joseph Cerciello, the prosecution rested its case on June 24th. The defense team for Combs has announced they will not call any witnesses and will instead base their arguments on the evidence already presented.
During his June 23rd testimony, the jury saw explicit videos presented as evidence. These videos, as reported by NBC News journalists in the courtroom, seemed to be recordings of events described as “freak offs” connected to Combs.
The agent reported finding fifty explicit videos from 2021 and 2022, but the jury only viewed two of them, using headphones and individual screens.
In voice messages to his former aide Kristina Khorram, played on June 23rd, Sean Combs outlined several requests he made while staying at a hotel in November 2021. These included asking for more baby oil, which he said he frequently used during moments of intense frustration.
He told Khorram to have them call him before starting their journey. He then added, seemingly surprised to be out, “I can’t believe I’m out. Load twenty bottles into this vehicle.”
Khorram also mentioned she was staying at the hotel another day, and let them know the baby oil was right outside the door.
According to text messages, his former employee told him she was making an IV drip for him and Jane, which he’d previously used to recover after intense competitions, as revealed in the group chat.
She also made sure that there were Plan-B pills, an emergency contraceptive, in his nightstand.
The jury saw text messages exchanged between Combs and Ventura, where Ventura openly described the emotional and psychological harm she claimed she suffered due to the alleged abuse.
In March 2017, after Combs suggested they take a break from their on-again, off-again relationship (which lasted from 2007 to 2018), Ventura responded that she didn’t want a break. She explained that she didn’t want to be criticized for standing up for herself, and that Combs made her feel unimportant.
In another instance, she further accused her ex of physically assaulting her.
Honestly, it’s like I pour my heart out to him, I give him everything, and the second I look away, he self-destructs and then I’m the one who pays the price – he literally dragged me by my hair! I was telling him this in May, and I just… I’m thirty years old, this isn’t some game. Last night was awful. It felt like I was watching myself die, but somehow, even seeing him in that state, seeing his light, was… strangely beautiful. It’s so messed up, but I can’t look away.
Brendan Paul, who worked as Sean Combs’ assistant from 2022 to 2024, testified that he bought drugs for Combs several times. These drugs included marijuana, 2C, cocaine, ketamine, and ecstasy.
Oh my god, it was so crazy. We’d just text this guy – our dealer, basically – and he’d show up at one of our places. Seriously, he’d just come over. Paul said he met him through texts or calls, which, honestly, makes perfect sense. Paul also mentioned getting fired a bunch of times – like, multiple times – for all sorts of stuff, including… wait for it… forgetting his Lululemon fanny pack! Can you believe it? It’s just… peak Paul, you know?
However, Paul vehemently denied being a “drug mule” for the rap mogul.
On June 18th, Judge Subramanian ended court for the day because one of the jurors was unable to return due to illness. Court will also be closed on June 19th for the Juneteenth holiday.
The judge announced that a juror is ill and unable to attend court. They experienced dizziness and had to leave earlier. Because this juror is a regular member of the jury, the judge stated they won’t be able to continue with the trial today.
The judge acknowledged the juror was experiencing dizziness, nausea, and headaches, and wasn’t sure if it was a brief problem or something ongoing. They said they would keep an eye on the situation.
Okay, so the trial was paused for Juneteenth on the 19th, which, honestly, was a little heartbreaking because I NEED to know what happens next! But Judge Subramanian said they’re getting back to it on June 20th, though it’ll only be a half-day – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Still, it’s something, and I’m already marking my calendar! Every minute counts, you know?
Just after Judge Subramanian removed a juror due to inconsistent answers about where they live, another juror is now potentially facing removal. This juror reportedly discussed the case with a former coworker, and the judge questioned them and asked to examine their phone, according to NBC News.
By the end of the court session on June 16th, a decision about whether to dismiss the member hadn’t been reached.
Kanye West showed up at the New York City courthouse on June 13th to support Sean Combs. West was there for about half an hour and spent time in the waiting area, but didn’t go inside the courtroom itself. The courtroom is reserved for Combs’ family, lawyers, the media, and members of the public who have been waiting in line for hours.
Jane remembered a fight they had after she took a trip to Las Vegas with a fellow rapper and his wife.
She stated that this behavior escalated to secretly watching sexual activity. Specifically, she described how she invited Anton, a sex worker frequently hired by her and Combs, and a group of people observed him engaging in sexual activity with a woman in a hotel room during their trip.
Jane informed Combs’ lawyer, Geragos, that the music executive was angry after he believed she had been at a sexually suggestive event with another man.
On the 21st day of the Combs trial, a prosecutor named Maurene Comey told the court her team wants to dismiss one of the jurors.
She told Judge Subramanian, just before the jury came in, that they were hesitant to submit the letter because it seemed dishonest and raised significant concerns for them.
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.
Judge Subramanian stated he would postpone addressing any practical issues related to the juror until a ruling is reached.
On June 10th, Jane and Garagos had a heated discussion where Garagos suggested the witness was exchanging sexual favors for expensive gifts.
Attorney Mark Geragos reviewed text messages from November 2021 between Jane Doe and Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. The messages showed the witness was distressed to learn Combs was having sexual relations with other women. She specifically asked him if he had given one of those women a Chanel bag afterward.
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 2022, after researching their relationship, she came to believe Combs engaged in, or was interested in, the practice of cuckoldry – where someone derives pleasure from their partner having sexual relations with another person.
She explained that the research helped her better understand why people felt pleasure watching their partners with other men. She wanted to thoroughly explore all the reasons behind this feeling.
The witness suggested that Combs’ interest in arranging private encounters, which closely resembled the experiences described by Ventura, might stem from Combs exploring his own sexual identity.
She explained that some individuals might feel a hidden curiosity they’re embarrassed to explore personally, and instead live it out through another person, without participating directly.
Jane stated she’d given the escort, Paul—whom she and Combs hired several times—the nickname “Trifecta,” explaining she likened their sexual relationship to the winning performance of basketball players.
“I was Kobe Bryant and Paul was Shaq [O’Neil],” she told jurors. “Combs was Michael Jordan.”
She said Paul was a kind person, and explained that if she were to engage with sex workers, she preferred those who seemed genuinely warm and friendly.
Jane stated that the relationship between Combs and Khorram caused problems in her own romantic involvement with the music executive.
Jane explained that Khorram was constantly with Sean, which created problems in their relationship. She felt Khorram had strong feelings for her, and that those feelings affected how Sean behaved towards her.
On June 10th, Judge Subramanian rejected a request from Combs’ lawyers to halt the trial. The lawyers claimed that Ventura and her friend, Bryana Bongolan, falsely stated that Combs had threatened Bongolan by holding her over a 17th-floor balcony.
His attorneys claimed the prosecution acted improperly by presenting false testimony, a claim they made in a recent court filing. This isn’t the first time they’ve raised concerns about the case, as a previous request to halt the trial due to misconduct was also rejected.
According to a recent letter, the government presented evidence in court that they either knew was false or should have known was false. This evidence concerned their claim that Mr. Combs threatened Bryana Bongolan by holding her over the balcony of Cassie Ventura’s apartment in September 2016. The letter argues that to prevent an unjust verdict, the judge should declare a mistrial.
Jane alleged that the rap mogul had beaten her for hours June 2024.
Jane stated that an argument with Combs started because he was seeing a much younger woman – 25 years his junior, she said. This argument escalated, leading Jane to call him a deeply offensive name and physically push his head against their kitchen counter.
The witness stated she hid in the main bedroom, and Sean Combs began trying to force the door open – photos of the damaged door were shown as evidence. She claims that while attempting to escape, Combs kicked her in the back of her leg, causing her to fall.
She told the prosecutors that he grabbed her in a chokehold, pinning her to the ground and lifting her up so she couldn’t breathe. She was struggling to get free.
Let me tell you, safety is always the priority. In a scary situation, I always advise people to get away if they can. This woman actually did that – she ran from the house and tried to wait it out, hiding for about two hours hoping the other person would leave, but unfortunately, that didn’t happen. Then, when they went back to his place, she tried to create some distance for herself by going into the backyard, but that’s where things escalated and she found herself needing to protect herself from an attack.
Jane testified that the fight worsened when Combs supposedly hit her. She told the court he began punching her in the head, then kicked her, and continued to hit her while yelling.
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 don’t want that. Please just leave me alone, just go. Please stop.” She said he then grabbed her arm and hair, and began pulling her back towards the house, dragging her by her hair and arm.
Jane reported that after the incident, she had two raised bumps about the size of golf balls on her forehead, and a black eye.
Jane stated that Homeland Security Investigations raided her home—which Sean Combs had 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’ head of security to inform him about the raid.
In December 2023, Jane claimed a powerful person threatened to share intimate videos of them with the father of her child.
Jane testified that as her relationship with Combs fell apart, he told her he had nothing to fear from releasing the videos. She described it as a relentless series of pressuring phone calls.
I was really shocked to read the texts Jane sent to Khorram after everything happened. They actually became part of the official evidence! In those messages, she explained that Combs was threatening to release the video, and she specifically said she felt like she’d been heavily drugged in it. It’s just awful, and I’m so glad she documented it all.
She explained she needed space from Combs to heal from the emotional pain he had inflicted.
Jane told the court that Khorram assured her that Combs would not use the footage.
In her testimony, Jane stated that certain claims made in Ventura’s November 2023 lawsuit—which was later resolved—matched what she herself went through with Combs.
Wiping away tears, she told the jury, “I nearly passed out, I think I actually did.” She explained that three particular pages were deeply upsetting because they mirrored what she was going through.
Jane, a participant in the events referred to as “hotel nights,” shared that the experience felt deeply personal, like she was witnessing her own life unfold. This prompted her to reach out to Combs directly via text message to address the situation.
In screenshots presented as evidence, she described reading details of her own sexual trauma in Ventura’s lawsuit. She wrote that it made her feel sick, explaining the lawsuit recounted, ‘word for word,’ the ‘drug-filled days and nights’ she experienced. She accused him of knowing this would happen and of manipulating her, making her feel as though she was losing her mind.
As a lifestyle expert, I’ve unfortunately seen patterns of behavior that deeply harm individuals, and this situation is incredibly upsetting. The messages reveal someone feeling deeply distressed and violated after being pressured into unwanted sexual activity. They describe feeling ‘crazy’ – a common reaction when trauma is dismissed or minimized – and clearly articulate that what happened felt like sexual exploitation. It’s heartbreaking to hear someone express feeling so forced, and so profoundly violated. It’s crucial to acknowledge the pain and validate their experience; their feelings are absolutely valid, and what happened was harmful.
Combs then called Jane and, without her knowing, recorded their conversation. This recording was presented as evidence in court, and in it, Combs told her they had shared experiences and that he needed her present at a specific time.
Let me tell you, I’ve seen a lot of reactions over the years, but this one really stood out. Jane, completely unaware she was being recorded, confessed to feeling genuinely ill – like she was actually sick to her stomach – after going through Ventura’s documents. It was a pretty strong physical response, and honestly, it spoke volumes about the impact those papers had on her.
Jane stated that during her involvement with Combs’ “Hotel Nights,” where she and male escorts engaged in sexual activity, she sometimes used ecstasy. However, on one occasion, she chose to remain drug-free while being intimate with three men.
She testified that she had been with several men earlier that night. She vomited, and then Sean entered and reassured her, saying, ‘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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2026-03-25 17:20