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”.
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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.
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“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
“She doesn’t want to see me” – BBNaija winner Imisi’s mother cries out in viral video
“She doesn’t want to see me” – BBNaija winner Imisi’s mother cries out in viral video
The mother of Big Brother Naija Season 10 winner, Imisi Ayanwale, has ignited fresh controversy after releasing a TikTok video addressing growing tensions between her and her daughter.
In the video, she thanked friends, church members and residents of Ebute-Metta, Lagos, for their support during Imisi’s time on the reality show. She also rejected claims that she abandoned her daughter before the show.
“I want to sincerely appreciate all those who stood by me during Imisi’s time on Big Brother. My friends, everyone in Ebute-Metta, the church, I am so grateful,” she said.
Speaking from her sibling’s home in Ajah, she hinted that certain family members had shut her out since Imisi’s win.
“People said I did not take care of my child—thank you for what you said. I was running around to ensure that my daughter wins, so she can become someone in life and take me out of poverty,” she said.
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She further suggested that her daughter had asked not to see her: “She said she does not want to see me wherever she is. Is it that serious? There is still a lot to talk about.”
The mother also alleged she was sidelined during the show’s grand finale.
“On the day of the BBNaija finale, I was not even told it was the final. It was a few minutes to 4 p.m. they called me to dress up and wear something nice. I was even taken somewhere else initially,” she claimed.
During her stay in the BBNaija house, Imisi had spoken openly about her strained relationship with her parents, recounting that she was sent out of the house at the age of 12 — an experience she said exposed her to trauma and abuse while seeking shelter.
The latest video has stirred strong reactions online, with many calling for a reconciliation between the reality star and her family, even as the rift appears to widen.
Imisi mother continues again today
cos the back lash she's getting from strangers on the street is too much..
" i didnt say anything to bash imisi from my video yesterday , but ppl believed the story she said about me , she must come out to clarify it, i never chase her out at… pic.twitter.com/RVPGpsqROm— ARIDEBZ 📍D CREATOR (@EkpohD) November 14, 2025
“She doesn’t want to see me” – BBNaija winner Imisi’s mother cries out in viral video
Entertainment
Genevieve Nnaji makes rare public appearance at AFRIFF, ends disappearance rumours
Genevieve Nnaji makes rare public appearance at AFRIFF, ends disappearance rumours
Nollywood icon Genevieve Nnaji made a headline-grabbing return to the public eye at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) in Lagos, quelling long-standing rumours about her disappearance.
The award-winning actress, who has maintained a low profile on social media and in public for years, appeared radiant in a colourful outfit that drew admiration from guests and fans alike. Her presence immediately set social media abuzz, with many celebrating what they described as the long-awaited “return of the queen.”
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Photos of Genevieve posing alongside colleagues—including Uche Jombo and AFRIFF founder Chioma Ude—have since been circulating online, further fuelling excitement about her re-emergence.
Her long break from the spotlight had previously sparked speculation about her well-being, particularly concerning her mental health. However, Genevieve has made a few public appearances in recent times, as well as a subtle return to social media, effectively dispelling those rumours.
Her latest appearance at AFRIFF is being hailed as a major comeback moment, with fans hopeful that the beloved actress is gearing up to return to film and public engagements.
For now, Nollywood and its global fanbase are watching eagerly—and with renewed anticipation—for what Genevieve does next.
Genevieve Nnaji makes rare public appearance at AFRIFF, ends disappearance rumours
Entertainment
Baba Ijesha walks free as Appeal Court quashes conviction, viral video sparks reactions
Baba Ijesha walks free as Appeal Court quashes conviction, viral video sparks reactions
Nollywood actor Olanrewaju James, widely known as Baba Ijesha, has reportedly regained his freedom after the Court of Appeal overturned his conviction for the sexual assault of a minor.
The embattled comic star, arrested in 2021, had been handed a 16-year jail term by the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja in July 2022 after being found guilty on multiple counts involving the molestation of a 14-year-old girl.
On Saturday, a video — widely circulated across Facebook, Instagram and X — surfaced online showing the actor seated in a vehicle moments after his alleged release. In the clip, he appeared visibly relieved as he spoke briefly on the phone, according to a report by PUNCH.
“Apase, I’m out… I just came out. I want to relax. I just want to leave here so I decided to inform you. Thank you for supporting me. I will call you,” he said in Yoruba.
Though PUNCH stated that it had not independently verified the footage, the man seen celebrating his release strongly appeared to be Baba Ijesha.
Actor Yomi Fabiyi, a close associate and one of the loudest voices advocating for him during the trial, also announced the development in an Instagram post on Friday.
Fabiyi described the Appeal Court’s ruling as a long-overdue clarification, insisting the case had been mishandled from the onset.
According to him, the judgement not only “clears” Baba Ijesha but also reinforces the need for fairness, due process, and the protection of rights in cases involving minors.
Fabiyi, who has repeatedly stressed his stance as a human rights advocate, reiterated that neither he nor the actor condones abuse.
“We never and will never support any form of sexual abuse, especially involving children,” he wrote. “We will continue to stand for justice and the protection of fundamental human rights.”
The development has continued to generate mixed reactions online as Nigerians await an official statement confirming the Appeal Court’s decision.
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