
Combs attorney argues he 'has punished himself more than anyone would be able to punish him'
Defense lawyers' attempt to secure Sean Combs a lenient sentence continued Friday afternoon with his attorney claiming he has "untreated trauma" that he says has colored the rap mogul's life.
In a speech that repeated many of the arguments in their written filings, attorney Brian Steel highlighted how Combs grew up "in total poverty," was raised by a single mother after the death of his father, and yet succeeded in the music industry.
However, Steel told U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian that Combs' life turned for the worse because of a "serious drug addiction that got out of hand." According to Steel, Combs' addiction began after he was prescribed medication after a medical procedure in the early 2000's.
"He lost his way. He was medicated because his body was hurt. His emotions were hurt," Steel said.
Steel argued that Combs had been "punished severely" during his year at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. He said that Combs has made the most of his time in prison by helping others and becoming sober for the first time in 25 years.
"He has not seen daylight except when he is transported to the courtroom," Steel claimed.
Steel also claimed that Combs has been punished enough through the business and reputational damage, claiming some of the media have treated him "like a leper."
"That name and prestige is gone," Steel said. "He has cursed his children with that name."
Steel also said that Combs' "money is gone" as he claims he is fighting nearly 100 civil lawsuits and irreparable reputational harm.
"I don't know who among us would trade places with Sean Combs," Steel said. "He is completely broken. No one needs to give Sean any speeches; nobody needs to tell him that he needs to take responsibility. He has punished himself more than anyone would be able to punish him and it will stay with him for the rest of his days."





