Sean “Diddy” Combs’ reported plan to use his post-prison life to counsel domestic violence abusers is not being met with applause — especially from those who accuse him of abuse.
The backlash began after one of Combs’ attorneys, Alexandra Shapiro, told Business Insider that the music mogul hopes to become an advocate against domestic violence. Shapiro described a future where Combs would work with youth and other offenders, using his life story as a warning and a tool for prevention.
“Sometimes, people like him can be the best spokesperson to try to help,” she said, adding that the defense team intends to highlight these plans in their request for a sentence of time served following his conviction on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
But for his accusers, the idea is beyond offensive. “This is utterly preposterous,” said Douglas Wigdor, the victims’ rights attorney representing Combs’ ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. Another alleged victim, whose assault claims from the 2010s were corroborated by Rolling Stone, called the plan “manipulation at its best,” questioning how Combs could counsel others without first addressing his own behavior.
“It’s a mockery of the system. It’s a mockery of everyone he’s harmed,” said another accuser currently pursuing litigation. “He needs intensive therapy.”
Combs’ legal team, however, is framing the proposal as part of a redemption arc, urging the judge to “look at the whole person” and consider the potential “positive impact” he could have if granted leniency.
Source: Rolling Stone
