Sean 'Diddy' Combs Receives 4+ Years in Prison: His Apology and Judge Subramanian's Powerful Response

During the court hearing, Sean 'Diddy' Combs expressed that he was "truly sorry" for his actions.

Sean Combs, formerly a powerhouse in the music industry, took a deep breath in court.

The artist known as "Diddy" had endured months of listening to horrific allegations against him while his children watched. Each night he would return to a notoriously decrepit Brooklyn prison. Throughout the trial, he chose not to defend himself.

On Friday, the day he would learn whether he would be freed or continue his life as an inmate, he acknowledged that he wasn't taking lightly the opportunity to speak—or the devastating trauma he had inflicted on two women for well over a decade under his pretense of love.

"One of the hardest things that I've had to handle is having to be quiet, not being able to express how sorry I am for my actions," he told the captivated courthouse.

This marked the first time he had spoken publicly in more than a year.

And possibly the last time for several more years: minutes later, he received a sentence of more than four years in prison for prostitution-related crimes.

In his final plea for freedom, Combs apologized to Casandra Ventura and a woman who testified under the pseudonym Jane.

He devoted much of his 12 minutes at the microphone describing how he'd lost his freedom, failed as a parent, watched his business empire collapse, and had his reputation destroyed. He spoke of letting down his "community," people of color whom he claimed he had worked so hard to uplift.

"Most of all, I lost my self-respect," the 55-year-old said. "I was stripped down to nothing."

"I really am truly sorry for it all, no matter what they say."

This was one of many climactic moments during a theatrical hearing filled with tears, pleas for mercy, and sharp reminders of guilt.

During the hearing that followed a painstaking eight-week trial, the defense team presented a finale of sorts with speakers including a reverend and a rehabilitation advocate.

Combs's children, several of whom were sobbing, gave moving appeals on behalf of their father, united around a common message: "he is still our dad."

Nearly every member of Combs's legal team offered their statements. One even cried.

The defense attorneys screened a film montage for the court that included home videos of the patriarch and his family, as well as archival footage of the hip hop entrepreneur opening schools, speaking to social organizers, and receiving awards.

An outsider viewing the clip might have thought Combs was campaigning for mayor.

However, the prosecution reminded everyone that he had committed serious federal crimes rooted in devastating abuse.

"Today is about accountability and justice," said prosecutor Christy Slavik. "It's about a man who did horrible things to other people to satisfy his own sexual gratification."

"His currency was controlled. And he weaponized that currency to devastating effects on the victims."

Slavik revealed that the only witness who had planned to speak during the sentencing hearing had changed her mind after the defense had attacked her character while objecting to her presence.

That, Slavik said, could "only be described as bullying."

When the hearing finally entered its intense final phase, Judge Arun Subramanian took it upon himself to recall the words of victims in the case, reading excerpts from their testimony and statements they had submitted.

He first acknowledged the self-made hip hop pioneer and businessman for his accomplishments, philanthropy, and the inspiration he had provided to "communities of color worldwide."

But "a history of good works can't wash away the record in this case," the judge stated, beginning his measured yet firm final remarks before sentencing.

"The court rejects the defense's attempts to characterize this... as sex, drugs and rock-and-roll," Subramanian said, citing "massive" evidence of abuse.

"Mr. Combs, I know you feel like you're in a dark place right now, but these crimes were serious ones, and your violence, coercion, and abuse have had devastating consequences for the women involved."

"There are millions of survivors out there," the judge continued. "Most of those people will never speak up about their abuse. The consequences are often tragic, as they were in this case."

After imposing the punishment, Subramanian encouraged Combs to use his power and wealth for good when he's released in several years' time.

"The things that the women in this case talked about, it's happening all over this country. Every day, every minute," the judge said. "The same power that enabled you to hurt these women, you can use it to help others like them."

"We all have voices—but you have a megaphone."