NEW YORK — On the eve of his sentencing, Sean “Diddy” Combs addressed a federal judge, asserting that he has transformed himself through his challenging experiences over the past year. In a poignant letter to Judge Arun Subramanian, Combs, 55, reflected on a life fraught with mistakes and stated he felt 'broken to my core' at times, even contemplating whether he would be better off dead.

Since his September 2024 arrest that led to a conviction on two counts related to prostitution, Combs has spent a year in jail. He expressed that a newfound clarity emerged from his sobriety, free of drugs and alcohol, leading him to understand the gravity of his past actions. "The old me died in jail, and a new version of me was reborn," he wrote, emphasizing that prison changed him profoundly.

A jury previously acquitted Combs on more severe trafficking and racketeering charges; however, the prostitution-related counts carry a potential maximum sentence of 10 years. While Combs' attorneys advocate for his immediate release, prosecutors have recommended a sentence of over 11 years.

In his letter, Combs took full responsibility for his actions, apologizing deeply for the hurt he inflicted on his former girlfriend, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, after a violent incident captured on hotel security footage during 2016. He also expressed remorse for his treatment of another victim, referred to only as “Jane,” acknowledging the pain he caused. Combs described the emotional toll of his actions, stating, “the remorse, the sorrow, the regret” weigh heavily on him.

During his time in jail, Combs has engaged in reading, writing, and teaching a course for inmates, intending to share his insights and lessons learned from his life and career. In connection with his commitment to sobriety, he shared that he is sober for the first time in 25 years, involving himself in therapy to address his past substance abuse and anger management issues.

Beyond seeking personal redemption, Combs is also appealing for mercy on behalf of his family. The primary caregiver for his elderly mother and seven children, he expressed the pain of missing important life events while in custody. He described the inhumane conditions of his detention and urged the judge to consider a lenient sentence, highlighting the potential for positive change if granted another chance. He closed his letter asking the judge to “make me an example of what a person can do if afforded a second chance.”