**Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Risky Move Ahead of Sentencing: Speaking in Court Could Backfire**
*Published: October 2, 2025, 6:57 p.m. ET*
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ decision to address the court just before his sentencing on Friday, October 3, could be a risky gamble, RadarOnline.com can exclusively report. The music mogul faces up to 20 years in prison after being found guilty on two felony counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
Throughout the trial, Combs passed on the chance to take the stand and testify on his own behalf. However, as he now seeks leniency, his lawyers have announced that he will finally speak in court. Yet, this move could potentially backfire.
### A Risky Speech
Prominent attorney Tony Buzbee, who gained notoriety for setting up a hotline for alleged victims of Combs and receiving thousands of accusations regarding the producer’s graphic lifestyle, weighed in on the situation.
“What can he say? The conduct we saw at the trial, and the conduct alleged in the civil cases, is reprehensible,” Buzbee told RadarOnline. He added, “The producer is now just grasping at straws.”
“I’ve always believed when you are digging yourself a hole, stop digging,” Buzbee said bluntly, warning that speaking out now might do more harm than good.
### Sentencing: The High Stakes
Government prosecutors are pushing for a prison sentence of at least 11 years. Meanwhile, Combs’ defense team is arguing for no more than 14 months—essentially allowing him to walk free based on time already served behind bars.
Judge Arun Subramanian, who oversaw the proceedings, will have the final say in sentencing. Trial attorney Brian C. Stewart of Parker & McConkie offered insight to RadarOnline on what to expect.
“Fourteen months is probably wishful thinking, and eleven years may be too heavy-handed,” Stewart said. “I would expect it to be somewhere in the middle, around four to six years.”
Stewart also commented on the risks tied to Combs’ planned court speech. “This is his one opportunity to influence the judge’s decision, and he should take it with a short, sincere, and remorseful statement. If he stands up and owns it, that can shave years off; if he makes excuses, it could add them.”
### Combs’ Appeal for Leniency
In recent days, Combs has been urging family and friends to write letters to Judge Subramanian requesting mercy. However, Stewart remains skeptical about their impact.
“Good behavior and supportive letters can’t hurt, but they seem unlikely to carry much weight with the judge under these circumstances,” he explained.
In a final plea, Combs’ lawyers sought to humanize their client. They stated:
> “Like all human beings, Mr. Combs is flawed. But he is the first to admit he has made many serious mistakes, and he has been working very hard to better himself and make the most of his time behind bars. We respectfully submit that he deserves a chance to continue his rehabilitation outside the walls of a prison, and ask the Court to be merciful and afford him that opportunity.”
### Charm Offensive in Motion
Sources tell Hollywood Insider Rob Shuter that Combs is confident his charm can sway the judge. “He thinks his words can change everything,” the insider revealed. “It’s arrogant, but it’s worked for him before.”
Adding to this charm offensive, Combs’ attorneys have requested that he be allowed to appear in “street clothes” instead of the standard prison jumpsuit, aiming to present him as more humane and humbled during the hearing.
Combs has also promised to be “dignified and respectful” in court as he attempts to buy his freedom with his charisma.
“He’s empowered,” another insider told Shuter. “He thinks if anyone can flip a judge at the last minute, it’s him.”
As the sentencing looms, all eyes will be on Combs and whether his final court statement can sway the decision—and potentially his future.
https://radaronline.com/p/sean-diddy-combs-sentencing-speech-judge-big-risk-addressing-court/