Usher recently spoke to Forbes about his experiences with Sean “Diddy” Combs, defending the disgraced rapper.
He claimed Diddy has been “misrepresented” and instead focused on his impact as a businessman.
Diddy’s Current Situation
Diddy was sentenced in October 2025 to 50 months in prison after being convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
His 2025 trial ended with a split verdict, with Diddy being acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.
Just a few weeks ago, Combs’ prison release date was moved up to April 25, 2028, from the original May 2028 date.
“Legacy”
When Forbes asked Usher to say a word that comes to mind when he hears Combs’ name, Usher replied, “Legacy.”
“In many ways I think certain people are prosecuted and maybe not recognized for the greatness that they offer. I don’t have anything negative to say about Sean Combs because my experience was not what the world has seen and how he’s been misrepresented,” Usher explained.
“I’m not saying that every man is perfect. I’m not saying that all of us don’t have flaws. But I can’t with any sense of humanity not recognize the valuable contribution that this man made for us as Black entrepreneurs, for us as businessmen, for us as people who have transitioned culture and ideas into something that’s tangible.”
He continued, “So many people benefitted from what he created and I acknowledge that.” Combs was “a mentor” to Usher, and he was able to learn from the rapper “in real time” as his career was skyrocketing.
He added, “That’s who I see that man as. And that’s what I choose to remember. I put respect on his name because I realized that what I learned as a businessman before I even understood what business was came as a result of seeing the incredible things that he was able to do and the way that he positioned himself as a businessman.”
Diddy’s 2025 Trial
Diddy’s trial began in early May 2025, featuring 34 witnesses accusing the rapper-producer of crimes ranging from drug distribution to physical abuse and even sexual assault.
One of the biggest pieces of evidence was from 2016. It showed Combs beating his then-girlfriend Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, who gave a four-day testimony.
During the trial, Combs’ lawyer admitted to his pattern of domestic violence. However, that was not one of the charges against him.
“Shameful” Behavior
Diddy has since shown remorse for his past behavior. He told the judge overseeing his case that his past behaviors were “disgusting, shameful and sick.”
He said, per NBC News, “I am not this larger than life person—I am just a human being, I was trying my best, I got lost in my excess and lost in my ego. Because of my decision, I lost my freedom and the opportunity to raise my children and be there for my mother.”
He added, “I have been humbled and broken to my core. I hate myself right now. I’ve been stripped down to nothing. I will never jeopardize my family. No matter what anybody says, I know now I am truly sorry for it all.”