The Japan Times - Sean Combs, incarcerated music titan with a shattered reputation

But he's sat behind bars for more than a year. And on Friday, a judge told him he'll stay there for several more.

For the first time Combs spoke to the court directly, telling the judge who would sentence him to more than four years in prison for prostitution-related crimes that he's been "humbled and broken to my core."

"I hate myself right now," he said. "I got lost in excess. I got lost in my ego."

It's a remarkable fall for the music and entertainment titan who boasted multiple mansions, a private jet, a business empire and scores of accolades.

But it all crashed in September 2024, when he was arrested on charges including running a criminal ring that allowed him to commit harrowing sexual abuse.

After a two-month courtroom saga, a jury of 12 New Yorkers found him guilty of two prostitution-related counts. They acquitted him of more serious allegations of racketeering and sex trafficking.

The outcome was less decisive than prosecutors had hoped for -- but the 55-year-old with seven children will still serve significant time.

And his reputation lies in tatters: the abuse revealed in court "is not something, Mr Combs, you will ever be able to wash away," the judge told him.

- Rebrands upon rebrands -

Combs, the founder of Bad Boy Records whose proteges included the late Notorious B.I.G. and Mary J. Blige, was long known as a smooth-talking kingpin who ushered hip-hop from the underground to bottle-service clubs.

He was continuously rebranding -- his monikers included "Puff Daddy," "P Diddy" and, more recently, "Brother Love."

Court proceedings revealed a seedier side, casting him as a violent boss whose inner circle helped him live life with impunity.

Even before his arrest, the mushrooming accusations and legal action left many of his businesses reeling.

But as was clear outside the courthouse throughout the proceedings, he still has a loyal fan base.

- Party boy and hip-hop mogul -

Born Sean John Combs on November 4, 1969, in Harlem, the artist entered the industry as an intern in 1990 at Uptown Records where he eventually became a talent director.

In 1991, he promoted a celebrity basketball game and concert at the City College of New York that ended in a stampede, leaving nine people dead.

Combs, blamed for hiring inadequate security and fired from Uptown, then founded his own label -- Bad Boy Records.

Thus began his quick ascent to the top of East Coast hip-hop.

The Notorious B.I.G. became the genre's king following his landmark debut album "Ready to Die" in 1994, and Combs boasted a number of major acts and collaborations with the likes of Blige, Usher, Lil' Kim, TLC, Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men.

He was also a Grammy-winning rapper himself, debuting with the chart-topping single "Can't Nobody Hold Me Down" and his album "No Way Out."

Success multiplied as the brash hustler also ventured into Hollywood, reality television and fashion.

Combs was also known as a ladies' man -- he had a high-profile relationship with Jennifer Lopez.

- 'Second chance' -

As recently as 2023, Combs was still on top of the world -- releasing a new album and accepting lifetime honors including a "global icon" award from MTV.

But his star plummeted in November of that year, when his former partner of 11 years, Casandra Ventura, filed a civil suit with a litany of allegations including a 2018 rape.

Combs settled the suit almost immediately, but months later, it became clear that federal investigators were trailing him.

His mansions were raided and many possessions seized. Then came his arrest, followed by the high-stakes trial.

Judge Arun Subramanian told Combs Friday that his crimes had "irreparably harmed two women."

But he urged the fallen mogul to see the "light" at the end of his prison term.

"You have a universe of people who love you," the judge said.

"I'm counting on you to make the most of your second chance."

K.Yamaguchi--JT