Entertainment
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs pleads for mercy ahead of sentencing
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs pleads for mercy ahead of sentencing
The hip-hop mogul says he is no longer running from his “many mistakes”. He also addresses the infamous CCTV footage from an LA hotel in 2016, which showed him attacking his former girlfriend Cassie Ventura.
Combs was convicted of two prostitution-related charges in July, following a trial lasting almost eight weeks, but was cleared of more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.
In the letter, the 55-year-old admits “past wrongs” but says he is no longer running from his “many mistakes”.
He also addresses the infamous CCTV footage from an LA hotel in 2016, which showed him attacking his former girlfriend Cassie Ventura.
“First and foremost, I want to apologise and say how sincerely sorry I am for all of the hurt and pain that I have caused others by my conduct,” Combs writes. “I take full responsibility and accountability for my past wrongs.”
The rapper describes the last two years – which started with a civil lawsuit filed by Cassie in November 2023 – as the “hardest” of his life, but admits: “I have no one to blame for my current reality and situation but myself.”
Since his arrest in September 2024 and subsequent time in prison, the rapper says he has “had to look in the mirror like never before” and admits his “downfall was rooted in my selfishness”.
READ ALSO:
- Targeted killings: US Senators push for Nigeria’s return to religious freedom watchlist
- 2027: NASS considers single-day general election
- Protests worldwide condemn Israeli interception of Gaza flotilla
Combs is due to be sentenced on Friday and faces a maximum of 20 years in prison.
Prosecutors have called for at least 11 years, while his defence team argues he should serve no more than 14 months. The latter would see him walk free almost immediately after time already served.
His letter comes after several filed by witnesses who testified during the trial, including Cassie, who has urged the judge not to be lenient and expressed fears for her safety.
She alleged on the witness stand that she was coerced and sometimes blackmailed into taking part in sex sessions with male escorts. Combs has strenuously denied allegations of sexual abuse, and jurors cleared him of sex trafficking, only finding him guilty of the charges relating to hiring the sex workers.
However, his legal team admitted from the beginning that he had been violent in the past.
‘I could not forgive anyone putting a hand on one of my daughters’
Talking about the 2016 CCTV footage – which showed Combs, wearing only a towel and socks, attacking Cassie in a hallway – he says in his letter: “The scene and images of me assaulting Cassie play over and over in my head daily.
“I literally lost my mind. I was dead wrong for putting my hands on the woman that I loved. I’m sorry for that and always will be. My domestic violence will always be a heavy burden that I will have to forever carry. The remorse, the sorrow, the regret, the disappointment, the shame.”
He goes on to say he feels sorry “for something that I couldn’t forgive someone else for: if they put their hands on one of my daughters.”
The footage was played several times during his trial after first being made public by CNN in May 2024.
The hip-hop mogul also references “Jane”, another former girlfriend who testified against him in court, who did not give her real name.
READ ALSO:
- Naira rallies to N1,455/$; reserves hit $43bn
- Suspected bandits attack couple in Edo community, abduct wife
- Why I couldn’t fix PDP before moving to ADC – Atiku
“I thought I was providing for Jane concerning her and her child, but after hearing her testimony, I realised that I hurt her,” he writes. “For this I am deeply sorry. I lost my way … Lost in the drugs and the excess.”
‘The old me died in jail’
Combs goes on to describe his time in prison, saying he has been “humbled and broken to my core” and that there “have been so many times that I wanted to give up”.
“The old me died in jail and a new version of me was reborn. Prison will change you or kill you – I choose to live.”
Combs says he has had therapy and has been “working diligently to become the best version” of himself, and that there has been some good to come out of his time in prison.
“For starters, I am now sober for the first time in 25 years. I have been trying my best to deal with my drug abuse and anger issues and take accountability as well as positive steps towards healing.”
Asking Judge Subramanian for “mercy” for himself, his seven children and his 84-year-old mother, he says: “I have failed my children as a father. My father was murdered when I was three years old so I know first-hand what it is to not have a father. More than anything, I just want the opportunity to return home and be the father that they need and deserve.”
Combs goes on to say he is “scared to death” at the thought of spending more time away from his family, and that he no longer cares “about the money or the fame”.
And as previously detailed by his lawyers, he describes conditions at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn as inhumane – but says he is not looking for “pity or sympathy”, and that his time there has “changed me forever!”.
Combs concludes by vowing to never commit another crime again: “I can’t change the past, but I can change the future … I’m committed to the journey of remaining a drug free, non-violent and peaceful person.
“Today, I humbly ask you for another chance – another chance to be a better father, another chance to be a better son, another chance to be a better leader in my community, and another chance to live a better life.”
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs pleads for mercy ahead of sentencing
Skynews
Entertainment
2Baba Breaks Silence, Accuses Family of Fueling Marital Crisis With Wife Natasha
2Baba Breaks Silence, Accuses Family of Fueling Marital Crisis With Wife Natasha
Nigerian music legend Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba or 2Face, has publicly addressed the escalating controversy surrounding his marriage to his wife, Natasha Idibia, accusing some members of his family of worsening the situation under the guise of trying to “save” him.
The marital dispute, which has dominated social media conversations in recent days, reportedly began in the United Kingdom, where Natasha was allegedly heard raising her voice during a heated argument with the singer. The confrontation, according to circulating reports, drew the attention of UK authorities and led to 2Baba’s brief arrest.
Tensions heightened further after a dramatic exchange between the couple during an Instagram Live session hosted by broadcaster Daddy Freeze. The live video, which quickly went viral, showed the couple trading accusations in a manner that alarmed fans and sparked widespread debate about the state of their marriage.
Compounding the situation were comments made by 2Baba’s brother, Hyacinth Idibia, which many interpreted as a sign that the Idibia family had become actively involved in the crisis and increasingly concerned about the singer’s wellbeing.
READ ALSO:
- Nigeria joins global ICH elite as NAFDAC achieves full international regulatory Status
- Supreme Court Strikes Out Osun Suit on Withheld Local Govt Allocations
- DSS Arrests Doctor Providing Medical Support to Bandits in Kwara State
However, in a strongly worded video released on social media, 2Baba pushed back, insisting he does not need rescuing and accusing some family members of aggravating the situation and damaging Natasha’s reputation.
“This whole thing has gotten dangerously out of hand. I’m not going to be quiet anymore,” he said. “I am a grown man. My family, under the pretext of trying to save me, has actually destroyed me and killed someone’s daughter’s character. Natasha is getting death threats right now.”
He continued: “Yes, we argue — who doesn’t argue with their spouse? But this is getting out of hand. I am perfectly okay. I recently did my show in Abuja, and a lot of people were there. How do you claim you want to save me but are messing everything up?”
2Baba also referenced past tensions involving his ex-wife, Annie Idibia, saying the ongoing pattern of family interference had become dangerous.
His remarks have generated fresh debate, splitting fans and observers between those urging his family to step back and those calling for more intervention to ensure emotional and physical safety for everyone involved.
The controversy continues to dominate online spaces, with many expressing deep concern over the emotional strain on the singer and his wife.
2Baba Breaks Silence, Accuses Family of Fueling Marital Crisis With Wife Natasha
Entertainment
DStv warns subscribers of possible loss of CNN, discovery, 10 other channels in 2026
DStv warns subscribers of possible loss of CNN, discovery, 10 other channels in 2026
MultiChoice has warned that DStv subscribers may lose access to CNN and 11 other Warner Bros. Discovery channels from January 1, 2026, if ongoing negotiations fail to produce a new broadcast agreement.
The pay-TV operator issued the alert to customers on Monday, noting that its current carriage contract with Warner Bros. Discovery will expire on December 31, 2025.
According to MultiChoice, “While discussions between the parties continue, no agreement has been reached at this stage. If this remains unchanged, a number of Warner Bros. Discovery channels may no longer be available on DStv from 1 January 2026.”
Channels that could go dark include CNN International, Discovery Channel, TNT Africa, TLC, Food Network, Cartoon Network, HGTV, Cartoonito, Investigation Discovery, Real Time, Discovery Family, and Travel Channel.
READ ALSO:
- Tinubu Govt Eliminates More Terrorists Than Previous Administrations — Fani-Kayode
- Manchester United drop points again as West Ham fight back for 1-1 draw at Old Trafford
- NLC threatens nationwide protests as insecurity worsens, withdraws support for Labour Party
The potential blackout comes at a difficult time for MultiChoice, which has been battling significant subscriber losses across Africa. In the last two financial years, the company shed 2.8 million active users, with 1.2 million lost in 2025 alone.
In Nigeria, the company lost 1.4 million DStv customers over two years, as rising subscription prices and economic pressures forced households to cut entertainment spending.
The channel uncertainty adds to MultiChoice’s widening content challenges. Paramount Africa has already announced that BET Africa and MTV Base will be withdrawn from DStv on January 1, 2026, while CBS Reality and CBS Justice will cease operations on December 31, 2025.
The disruptions reflect broader shifts within the global media industry. Warner Bros. Discovery is restructuring amid reported takeover interest from Paramount, Comcast, and Netflix. Reports indicate that Paramount is interested in acquiring the entire company, while Comcast and Netflix are eyeing studio and streaming assets.
Meanwhile, MultiChoice’s new parent company, Canal+, is moving to reposition DStv for Africa’s increasingly competitive streaming market through price adjustments, investment in local content, and a renewed focus on premium sports broadcasting.
Together, the Canal+–MultiChoice group now serves more than 40 million subscribers across nearly 70 countries in Africa, Europe, and Asia, employing about 17,000 staff worldwide. A full strategic update is expected in early 2026.
Industry analysts warn that losing CNN, Discovery Channel, and other major Warner Bros. Discovery brands could significantly weaken DStv’s documentary and entertainment offerings, leaving sports content as its strongest competitive edge.
DStv warns subscribers of possible loss of CNN, discovery, 10 other channels in 2026
Entertainment
Sabinus Confirms Marriage Crash, Says He and Ex-Wife Are Focused on Co-Parenting
Sabinus Confirms Marriage Crash, Says He and Ex-Wife Are Focused on Co-Parenting
Popular Nigerian comedian and content creator Sabinus — real name Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Ejekwu — has officially confirmed that his marriage has ended. The 30-year-old revealed during a recent TikTok live session that the union, formalised in 2023, ended on peaceful terms.
“I’m not married, despite any rumors. My child’s mother and I ended things peacefully, and she’s completely fine with it,” he stated.
Sabinus assured fans that he and his former wife remain on good terms and are committed to co-parenting their daughter. “The mum and I are good. My daughter is okay, and she is doing fine,” he said.
Rumours about the Sabinus marriage had circulated for months, despite earlier denials from both parties. His latest confirmation finally puts an end to the long-standing speculation.
READ ALSO:
- Buratai Defends Nigeria’s Resilience, Says Nation Is “Rising, Not Failing” Despite Insecurity
- BREAKING: Tinubu Sends Fresh Ambassadorial Nominations to Senate, Names Ibas, Ita Enang, Dambazau
- Meta to Block Under-16s from Instagram, Facebook, Threads ahead of Australia’s World-First Youth Social Media Ban
Sabinus, who began his online comedy journey in 2015, rose to mainstream prominence in 2019 and has since featured in Nollywood films such as Billionaire’s Bride and Man of War. His rising profile earned him the AMVCA Best Online Content Creator award in 2022.
Reflecting on his early struggles, the comedian recalled how difficult it was to gain support from established entertainers. “Even some top celebrities blocked me on Instagram because I asked for help. To an extent, I knew it was every man for himself,” he said.
Despite the marital setback, Sabinus continues to maintain his position as one of Nigeria’s most influential content creators and comedic voices.
Sabinus Confirms Marriage Crash, Says He and Ex-Wife Are Focused on Co-Parenting
-
metro3 days agoSenate Launches Emergency Probe into Widespread Lead Poisoning in Ogijo, Lagos/Ogun
-
Sports1 day ago2026 FIFA World Cup Draw: England Draw Croatia as Brazil Face Morocco in Tournament Opener
-
metro3 days agoNed Nwoko vows legal action against rising online harassment, criminal defamation
-
News1 day agoAkpabio sues Natasha for ₦200bn over sexual harassment allegations
-
metro2 days agoTinubu Govt Eliminates More Terrorists Than Previous Administrations — Fani-Kayode
-
metro1 day agoFour Teenagers Killed in Banki Explosion as Borno Police Probe Deadly IED Blast
-
Opinion2 days agoSiyan Oyeweso: Lessons in virtue and vanity
-
metro19 hours agoAkpabio denies filing new ₦200bn lawsuit against Natasha

