A male exotic dancer who once worked for Sean “Diddy” Combs has shared his thoughts on the rapper’s recent sentencing.
The individual, Sharay Hayes, also known as “The Punisher,” was one of the many witnesses who testified during the rapper’s trial, which found him guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
On Friday, Sean “Diddy” Combs was sentenced to slightly over four years in prison, along with a fine and several years of supervised release to follow after he completes his term.
Why ‘The Punisher’ Feels Diddy’s Four-Year Prison Sentence Is Fair
Instagram | Sharay Hayes
Diddy’s recent sentencing has sparked widespread reactions, including from a male exotic dancer who once worked with the rapper.
Speaking with TMZ, Sharay Hayes said he initially thought Diddy might avoid prison, but after hearing the judge’s reasoning for the four-year, two-month sentence with additional penalties, he admitted the punishment made sense.
According to the dancer, who also has a new book out, Judge Arun Subramanian imposed a harsher sentence on Diddy because he wanted to send a clear message.
“He is trying to protect victims and deter others from such outrageous — and illegal — behavior,” the outlet reported.
Hayes also addressed Diddy’s lawyer’s claims that the rapper has renounced his old ways and feels genuine remorse for his actions.
He said the Bad Boy CEO was once “on top of the world and lost it all,” but since Diddy has no one but himself to blame for his downfall, the experience has likely changed him forever.
Sex Worker And Juror Claims Diddy’s Prison Sentence Was Too Lenient
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Despite Diddy being sentenced to spend the next few years behind bars followed by supervised release, some people connected to the case believe the rapper got off easy.
One of them is a sex worker mentioned during the trial, who chose to remain anonymous while speaking to TMZ.
The individual said they expected Diddy to receive at least ten years due to the assault and arson allegations, though the latter charge was ultimately not pursued by prosecutors during the proceedings.
The same sentiment was also echoed by one of the jurors in the case, who spoke with ABC News.
“I think he got off easy. I’m surprised the judge was that lenient,” the juror told the outlet. “… I think 10 years would have been more appropriate. He has many more civil suits filed against him, so he will be in and out of court for years. I’m sure he will have more fines to pay, too,” the juror said.
The Rapper’s Ex, Cassie, Weighed In On His Sentencing
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Shortly after the court handed down Diddy’s sentence, his former partner Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura issued a response through her attorney, Doug Wigdor.
As the prosecution’s main witness, Cassie’s testimony, along with the 2016 hotel video of her being assaulted by Diddy, proved pivotal in securing the rapper’s conviction.
“While nothing can undo the trauma caused by Combs, the sentence imposed today recognizes the impact of the serious offenses he committed,” said Wigdor, per the celebrity.land.
Prior to the sentencing, Cassie had also urged the court not to let Diddy go scot-free, as she recounted the deep trauma she suffered at his hands.
“I still have nightmares and flashbacks on a regular, everyday basis, and continue to require psychological care to cope with my past,” she wrote in a letter to the judge, per USA TODAY. “My worries that Sean Combs or his associates will come after me and my family is my reality.”
Diddy Apologized For His Misconduct
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Diddy’s sentencing also marked the first time he had spoken publicly since his legal troubles began last September.
Although he initially fumbled his words, he ultimately delivered a detailed statement filled with apologies to those he had hurt.
“One of the hardest things I’ve had to handle is having to be quiet – not being able to express how sorry I am for my actions,” the rapper said, before going on to personally apologize to Casie and his other anonymous victim, Jane.
“Domestic violence will always be a heavy burden I will forever have to carry,” he added. “My actions were disgusting, shameful, and sick.”
The Rapper Admitted He ‘Got Lost,’ But Isn’t A Bad Person
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Elsewhere in his statement, Diddy admitted that he had “got lost” but insisted he was not a bad person.
He also apologized to his mother, saying she had raised him better, and to his community for letting them down.
While Diddy has been sentenced to 50 months (four years and two months) in prison, he will reportedly spend only 36 months behind bars due to time served credit based on the amount of time he has spent in jail during his trial period.
Judge Subramanian also imposed a hefty $500,000 fine on the embattled rapper.
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