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Diddy's lawyer gave bizarre reason why he should get a light sentence
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ attorney became visibly emotional Friday morning as she urged a Manhattan federal judge to consider his accomplishments as a reason for a lighter sentence.
Nicole Westmoreland, the 55-year-old rap mogul’s defense lawyer, broke down in tears while highlighting Combs’ 2004 Menswear Designer of the Year award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America.
She framed it not just as a personal accolade, but as recognition of his role in breaking barriers for Black entrepreneurs.
“It wasn’t just about an award, it was about breaking barriers,” Westmoreland said (via the Daily Mail) her voice cracking. “Mr. Combs is just a man, and he’s made mistakes. He has flaws like we all do. But how many of us can say that we’ve helped so many lives? Countless lives. He’s been in jail and he’s remorseful. I spend every day speaking with him.”
She also cited Combs’ pioneering efforts in founding one of the first Black-owned record labels, arguing that these contributions deserved consideration in sentencing.
Prosecutors take a hard line
Prosecutors, however, painted a starkly different picture. The New York Post reports that Mary Slavik, representing the government, criticized Combs for booking a speaking engagement in Miami next week, calling it “the height of hubris.”
“[Diddy] booked speaking arrangements in Miami for next week,” Slavik said. “That is the height of hubris. It shows he is assuming the court is going to ignore the law and let him be in Miami on Monday. That’s the opposite of demonstrating respect for the law. His respect is just lip service.”
The speaking engagement, according to court documents, is a class Combs planned to teach for 75 to 100 incarcerated individuals, focusing on entrepreneurship, life skills, and mentorship; the same program he reportedly led while behind bars, according to The Telegraph.
While Combs’ team argued this was a form of giving back, prosecutors saw it as an arrogant assumption of freedom before sentencing.
Sentencing
Combs received a sentence of four years and two months in prison for two federal prostitution-related offenses, though he was cleared of more serious racketeering charges. Prosecutors recommended 11 years, while the defense maintained 14 months was appropriate, Yahoo! reports.
Adding to the tension, new civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault emerged hours before sentencing, involving two additional alleged victims.
Defense releases emotional promo ahead of hearing
Ahead of Friday’s hearing, Diddy’s attorneys released an 11-minute promotional video portraying him as a devoted father and community leader. The clip features footage of Combs with his children, meeting fans, recording music, and working with students at his Harlem charter school.
The video appears to be a strategic effort to highlight Combs’ positive contributions and charitable work in hopes of swaying the court.
Combs’ trial, which concluded earlier this year, included gripping testimony from his former girlfriend Cassie Ventura, who alleged coercion during sexual acts over their 11-year relationship. Defense attorneys argued the encounters were consensual and presented text messages from Ventura expressing affection during the relationship.
As the sentencing hearing unfolds, all eyes remain on the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where Combs has been held since his arrest in September 2024.