‘I adore you, I apologize’: What Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs did the instant he discovered his verdict

Three months prior, Sean “Diddy” Combs collapsed to his knees in a Manhattan courtroom after a New York jury cleared him of sex trafficking and racketeering accusations.

“I’m going home,” he remarked, pivoting to face his family, who had been by his side throughout the trial.

On Friday, a muted version of the hip-hop entrepreneur sat stoically in his seat as the judge sentenced him to more than four years behind bars.

Once Judge Arun Subramanian concluded his sentencing remarks, the rapper turned to his family and seemed to whisper: “I love you, I’m sorry.”

It was a solemn moment signaling the conclusion of an eight-week trial filled with turmoil that irrevocably changed the public perception of Combs – a figure who was once among the most recognized rappers globally. The jury viewed disturbing footage of Combs’ alleged “freak offs” – sexual gatherings he recorded, featuring hired male companions and his ex Cassandra Ventura along with an anonymous victim referred to as “Jane”. They also saw a now-infamous clip of him assaulting Ventura in a hotel corridor.

In July, a jury of 12 New Yorkers exonerated Combs, 55, of sex trafficking and racketeering charges—each carrying a possible life sentence—but convicted him of transportation for prostitution.

His legal representation anticipated he would be released within weeks, requesting a 14-month sentence, with 13 months already served.

Prosecutors alleged that Combs orchestrated a criminal enterprise aimed at forcing women into non-consensual and drug-influenced sexual acts. Despite being found not guilty of the most severe charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering, they sought a penalty of over 11 years.

Ultimately, Judge Subramanian conveyed to a dejected Combs that his actions and mistreatment of his former partners justified a 50-month imprisonment.

As the judge informed the court that Combs exploited his fame and influence to “dominate” his victims, the music industry figure did not raise his gaze, maintaining a neutral expression throughout the judge’s 20-minute address. More than 30 family members crowded the courtroom behind him.

Throughout the comprehensive hearing, the court absorbed countless statements from his legal team, his children, a pastor, and a criminal justice reform advocate who asserted that Combs had transformed and remained sober since incarceration.

They also viewed a video montage prepared by his defense, illustrating heartfelt moments with his children and the funeral service of his late ex-girlfriend, Kim Porter, the mother of some of his children who passed away in 2018.

However, the court did not hear from the victims directly, as one intended speaker, Mia, a former assistant of Combs who testified anonymously, withdrew after the defense labeled her a liar in a letter.

Subramanian deemed the letter “inappropriate” and expressed gratitude to the “strong women” who came forth with allegations against Combs, assuring them they weren’t addressing merely 12 individuals in the jury box.

In absence of their own testimonies on that Friday, Subramanian recited several of the victims’ comments from their accounts, addressing Combs: “These were grave offenses that have caused irreparable harm to two women.”

For the first time since his trial commenced, Combs took a moment to address the court.

After taking a deep breath before rising to present his speech, he implored the judge for “compassion”.

He read from a paper, wearing glasses, striving to keep eye contact with the judge as he told him: “I have no one to hold responsible but myself.”

Tears welled in his eyes as he turned to his family, saying to his mother: “I let you down as a son.”

This was not the first instance of tears during the proceedings.

Many of Combs’ supporters wept as six of his seven children approached the podium to urge the judge for leniency, expressing their need for their father. The daughters and sons embraced one another while several shed tears as they spoke to the judge.

The judge mentioned during the sentencing that he considered Combs’ familial relationships, but he also needed to account for the harm caused to his two victims.

The offenses were serious, he remarked, highlighting they transpired even following a federal investigation and the revealing of a video depicting Combs assaulting Ventura in a hotel’s corridor.

“A legacy of good deeds won’t erase your past,” he stated.

However, addressing a disappointed Combs, who twice raised his head and sighed, he proclaimed that there was a glimmer of hope awaiting him at the end of his prison term.

“Mr. Combs, you and your family will overcome this,” he assured.

As the judge concluded his remarks, Combs briefly nodded to his numerous family members and supporters before quietly exiting through the door to return to a federal prison in Brooklyn.