Is Diddy’s Jail Letter & “Free Game” Class a Redemption Arc or Reputation Rehab?

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Downfall Of Diddy

Episode: Is Diddy’s Jail Letter & “Free Game” Class a Redemption Arc or Reputation Rehab?
Host: Tony Brueski (with Stacy Cole & Todd Michaels)
Date: October 6, 2025

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Episode Overview

This episode of "The Downfall Of Diddy" centers on a detailed analysis and debate over Sean “P Diddy” Combs’ recent letter to the court ahead of his sentencing, alongside his efforts to mentor fellow inmates through the "Free Game" program. The hosts question whether these actions mark a genuine redemption arc or are merely attempts at repairing his damaged reputation in light of longstanding and severe allegations. The discussion dissects Diddy's messages, the credibility of his contrition, and the broader impact of his actions on victims—and the hip-hop industry at large.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Diddy’s Letter to the Judge (03:21–09:03; 18:47–22:02)

• Content and Tone:
  The hosts play an AI-voiced reading of Diddy’s plea for leniency, addressed to Judge Submarine. The letter expresses regret, claims personal transformation, and details hardships of incarceration.

• Notable Aspects:

  • Diddy frames his downfall as rooted in "selfishness," claiming jail “humbled and broke” him (03:57).
  • Discusses therapy and sobriety, mentorship of inmates, and the “Free Game” class aiming to unify diverse groups—even rival gangs.
  • Appeals to the judge’s mercy as a father, son, and former community leader, highlighting family hardships and loss.

• Key Quote (from Diddy’s letter, AI voice):

  "Jail is designed to break you mentally, physically and spiritually... The old me died in jail and a new version of me was reborn." (03:57)

• Conditions in Jail:
  Diddy details inhumane living conditions at MDC—overcrowding, lack of sunlight, and dangerous surroundings ([18:47]).

2. Panel Reactions: Are These True Acts of Atonement?

• Contextualizing Remorse:
  Tony, Stacy, and Todd analyze the letter’s sincerity. They challenge whether Diddy's cited remorse is genuine, or simply image management and a strategic legal move:
  • Todd: "He's doing a really good job. I think his lawyer did a really good job. I don't think he wrote this... using every single lever of influence he possibly could." (12:39)
  • Tony: Frames the letter as textbook "persuasion, intended to produce sympathy" (22:52).
• Skeptical Analysis:
  • The panel notes Diddy only addresses widely-known, proven allegations rather than more severe accusations of abuse and trafficking ([14:41]):

    "He didn't cover any of that stuff in there because he only covered stuff that actually people saw video for. They got caught." – Todd Michaels (14:41)

• Empathy or Narcissism?
  • Stacy remarks Diddy discusses himself and his loss far more than addressing or taking responsibility for harm to victims ([25:37]).

3. Judge & Prosecutor's Public Response (14:06–15:44)

• Official Reception:
  The panel shares Judge Submarine’s reaction:

  "Combs defense narrative is flatly inconsistent with both reality and his accepting responsibility." – Tony Brueski (14:06)

• The prosecutor’s focus is squarely on "accountability and justice" for victims suffering from "serious federal crimes committed repeatedly over fifteen years." (15:09)

4. Ripple Effects: Industry Impact and Victim Safety (16:00–18:34)

• Industry Fallout:
  Todd speculates about chilling effects on up-and-coming artists and negative ripples in hip-hop culture if Diddy is not held accountable ([16:00]).
• Victim Anxiety:
  Stacy highlights ongoing fears for witnesses and victims, even with Diddy incarcerated, due to his far-reaching influence ([17:10]):

  "People who are outside who have dealt with him... are freaking terrified right now." – Stacy Cole (18:05)

5. Panel: Redemption Arc or Reputation Rehab? (22:02–30:12)

• Immediate Skepticism:
  After hearing the closing of Diddy's letter, the hosts reject its premise:

  "Nope." – Stacy, Walton, Todd & Tony, nearly in unison (22:02–22:08)

  • Tony questions the depth of Diddy’s philanthropic efforts, wondering if they're sincere or just for public image (22:08).
  • Todd directly references Cialdini's Influence, pointing out Diddy's use of persuasion tactics to evoke sympathy (22:52).
• Panel’s Consensus:
  All hosts agree that the letter is focused on self-pity, not true atonement. Stacy points out the lack of attention to victims, with the alleged remorse centering on lost status and personal hardship ([25:37–25:44]).
• On True Redemption:
  Todd contrasts Diddy with figures like Malcolm X, who returned from incarceration with genuine community commitment:

  “Diddy is not a social justice warrior. He's a warrior for himself.” (29:04)

6. Who Believes in Diddy's Redemption? (26:04–27:28)

• Psychology of Belief:
  The hosts dissect why some still defend Diddy. Todd attributes it to fans being invested in their self-identity, unwilling to accept the truth without invalidating their own aspirations ([27:28]).

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Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Diddy's Strategies:

  "I think he's just one of those people that's redefined life according to his own dictionary." – Todd Michaels (24:58)

• On Victims:

  "He's not talking about the victims as much as I need him to. He's talking about himself." – Stacy Cole (25:37)

• On the Letter's Purpose:

  "That letter is just a very narcissistic way of trying to spin it and put a little icing on it and make everybody go, mm, ain't this delicious? Not gonna happen." – Tony Brueski (30:12)

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Important Timestamps

• 03:21 – Introduction to Diddy’s letter and reading begins
• 03:57 – Diddy's AI apology: "Jail ... broke me to my core"
• 09:03–09:12 – Panel pauses letter to react/reflect
• 10:56–13:28 – Critique of Diddy’s tactics, lawyer influence, sympathy play
• 14:06 – Judge’s official rejection of Diddy’s narrative
• 15:09 – Prosecutor’s statement on accountability and justice
• 16:00–18:34 – Broader industry impact & victim concerns
• 18:47–22:02 – Conclusion of Diddy’s letter, focusing on jail hardship
• 22:02–22:08 – Immediate panel reaction: universal skepticism
• 22:52–25:37 – Dissection of public image vs. genuine contrition
• 26:22–27:28 – Exploration of defenders’ motivations
• 29:04–30:12 – “Redemption Arc” vs. “Narcissism”; social justice contrasts

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Tone & Style

Throughout the episode, Tony, Stacy, and Todd maintain a skeptical, at times sardonic tone, blending legal analysis with personal reflections and candid, blunt language. The hosts strive for a balance between critique and empathy for victims, making clear their priority is truth and justice over celebrity reputation.

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Final Takeaway

The hosts firmly conclude that Diddy’s recent moves—his penitential letter and mentoring claims—are classic public relations and legal defense maneuvers rather than a sincere attempt at redemption. The episode underscores the gravity of Diddy’s alleged actions, broader cultural fallout, and the critical importance of genuine accountability for both victims and the wider community.

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For more in-depth coverage, subscribe to The Downfall Of Diddy and stay tuned for further developments in this high-profile saga.

Transcript

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[Tony Brewski]

This is Hidden Killers Live with Tony.

[Todd Michaels]

Brusky, Stacy Cole and Todd Michaels.

[Tony Brewski]

There's more here we are watching the video or the we're listening to the Apology of Diddy. This has been not the real voice of Diddy. This is the AI version of Diddy. But we wanted to try and create and make it, I guess, you know, as authentic as it could be. I thought it would sound better coming from the sound of Diddy versus me reading it aloud. And there's more in this. Let's continue. This is a letter that Diddy has sent to Judge Submarine prior to his sentencing. Basically, you know, it's an ask for grace letter. Let's continue.

[Sean Combs (Diddy) - AI Voice]

Lost in my journey, lost in the drugs and the excess, my downfall was rooted in my selfishness. I have been humbled and broken to my core. Jail is designed to break you mentally, physically and spiritually. Over the past year there have been so many times that I wanted to give up. There have been some days I thought I would be better off dead. The old me died in jail and a new version of me was reborn. Prison will change you or kill you. I choose to live every day since my incarceration. As difficult as my circumstances currently are, I have made the best of my time by reading books, writing, working out or in therapy, obtaining the tools and knowledge to deal with my past drug abuse and anger issues. I have been putting in the work and working diligently to become the best version of myself to ensure that I never make the same mistakes again. I realize that I am in a situation where no amount of money, power or fame can save me. Only God can save me. My grandmother used to teach me that God makes no mistakes and that everything he does is for your good. I believe that a bad Situation can be used for good. Although this situation has been the hardest and darkest time in my life, good things have come out of my incarceration. For starters, I am now sober for the first time in 25 years. I have been trying my best to deal with my drug abuse and anger issues and take accountability as well as positive steps towards healing. One of the most beautiful things I have experienced is being asked by my fellow inmates to teach and mentor. They wanted to learn what I did to become a successful businessman. I was inspired by their hunger and desire to learn information in order to not only set goals, but achieve any goal or dream that their hearts desire. I started teaching a six week program called Free Game, title given by my fellow inmates which I was able to have approved and sanctioned by the Bureau of Prisons. Bop. I don't just teach about my success, I also teach about my mistakes and failures. It has truly been a blessing to do something positive in a negative situation. It has been beautiful to see the newfound hope in my fellow inmates eyes. The most shocking thing was to see the unity and the peace this class has produced. As you are probably aware, jails and prisons are segregated places. However, in our class we have Black, Spanish, White and Asian all together in one room, learning and working together. We even have an interpreter for the Spanish speaking inmates. The biggest miracle that I've seen with this class is all of the gangs such as Bloods, Crips, Mississippi, 13, Trinitarios and 18th street streets in one room working together. I am also proud to say that since this class started, there have been no fights in our unit. This class has also helped me in my time of need and despair. Being able to do something good for others has also given me much needed hope. God blessed me with this opportunity to help others and I will continue to do so. I ask you for mercy today, not only for my sake, but for the sake of my children. God blessed me with seven beautiful children, three sons and four daughters. Their names are Quincy, Justin, Christian, Chance, Jesse, Delia and the newest addition, a two year old daughter, Love. Four of my children lost their mother, Kim Porter, as she tragically passed away in 2018. I am their only parent. I have failed my children as a father. My father was murdered when I was three years old, so I know firsthand what it is to not have a father. More than anything, I just want the opportunity to return home and be the father that they need and deserve. God also blessed me with the greatest mother in the world. My mother sacrificed her life and dreams to provide for me and My younger sister, Keisha, she worked three jobs too. Make sure we had a roof over our heads, clothes on our backs, and the best education. My mother is now 84 years old, and she recently had brain surgery. Despite her own health challenges, she attended my trial every day. I have always been her primary caregiver. It breaks my heart that I put myself in this situation. And for the first time, I am unable to be, therefore, my mother when she needs me most. As I write you this letter, I am scared. Scared to death. Scared to spend another second away from my mother and my children. I no longer care about the money or the fame. There is nothing more important to me than my family. I understand that One factor the court has to consider is deterrence. Deterrence for me and for others to ensure that no one follows in my footsteps and makes the same mistakes.

[Tony Brewski]

Let's pause for a second there.

[Sean Combs (Diddy) - AI Voice]

I have been locked in one room.

[Stacy Cole]

I have thoughts.

[Tony Brewski]

I just want to say before you get to your thoughts, brilliance on using the classical music, Tony. And also, I know the font has something to do with video game that you use, but it's also the Price is Right. So I am, I'm. I'm totally getting into this today. And also, what is Price is Right? Yeah, I didn't even. I, I, I grabbed it last. I literally made it like 11:30 last night. When I saw the letter come out, I'm like, my mind was spinning. I'm like, what can we create for the show? And I was thinking, well, we could turn this into, like a rap song. And I'm like, I don't wanna stay up till three. So this is what you got. You got the classical music and Diddy reading it, and I thought, the irony is we're gonna have to show the horrible things he did. So it's all in full context. Cause I think if you're gonna make this apology. Okay, well, let's see what you're apologizing for in real time so we don't forget. Never forget exactly what's going on. I want to say this because I want to. Stacey, I want to hear your thoughts, but I want to say this because a thought I had earlier and it completely kept eluding me, but it remembered it. I said, no, no redemption. Here's the one way. If he was in some sort of horrific accident and completely lost all memory and consciousness of who he was, and it was literally a total reset, that's it. That's just like, when that happens, you don't know your name, you don't remember Anything about your past, like, literally, you're relearning life. That's the only way I could see it being some sort of reset. But even then, I'd question genetics a bit too, of how much that plays a role in his decision making that's beyond his control, where even the reset wouldn't work. It's pre programmed. That's it. That's the one scenario. Okay, Stacy.

[Stacy Cole]

All right, Stacey. So, Tony, much to your dismay. I tend to go back to my personal experiences, but Diddy brought up his mother. And I was just in a position probably 2 1/2 months ago where I confronted somebody who did some really shitty, horrible things. And I said, what would your mother think if she saw this? And I'm sure she saw it from heaven. And the look was just like.

[Tony Brewski]

That'S what you said. I'm sure she saw it.

[Todd Michaels]

Yes.

[Tony Brewski]

That's great.

[Stacy Cole]

And for those of you who followed along in my story, you know what I'm talking about.

[Tony Brewski]

So.

[Stacy Cole]

Yeah, you're damn right.

[Tony Brewski]

Didn't think of that. You know, was he surprised by the comment or was he, like, actually feeling it? Like, oh, I didn't think, like, she is. She might be watching me.

[Stacy Cole]

I don't know. I don't know where it came from because it was going on for a year and a half, two years, and mom died a year ago. So, you know, she was around for some of it. She was up there for some of it. So she saw some of it.

[Tony Brewski]

Feel like somebody's watching me.

[Stacy Cole]

Yeah, I wanted to throw that out there so maybe the next time things wouldn't work so well because, like, mom's watching, you know, but, yeah, I, I want Diddy's mom to, to sit and watch this video of the hallway. Yeah, she needs to see this.

[Tony Brewski]

If she hasn't, she must be so proud.

[Todd Michaels]

So they're all, you know, we saw her before. I'm not impressed. So I'm listening to this. It's, you know, I love. We made all the comments before we listened to and heard the second half because they're all still spot on.

[Walton Goggins]

Right.

[Todd Michaels]

Accurate. The only thing that I'll add to it is he's doing a really good job. I think his lawyer did a really good job. I don't think he wrote this of, of using every single lever of influence he possibly could. So we heard the beginning a little bit of remorse for beating people. Then we have a little bit of remorse for this. And now we're using another liver influence called sympathy. Sympathy is a great lever of influence. On people. Now, be sympathetic. Don't take me away from my kids. I'm the only person to have. Don't take me away from my mother. She's all that I have. All. She's all.

[Tony Brewski]

No, I'm all that she has.

[Todd Michaels]

Right, right, right. So, you know, so for the benefit of society at large, you need to release me because I am such a good influence on my kids and my mother.

[Tony Brewski]

There'S no way living hell.

[Stacy Cole]

Can you imagine the judge sitting there just going really, really seriously?

[Todd Michaels]

Maybe. So that's what, you know, before I started really diving into true crime and then us covering such. Such really bad, bad systems of justice. I would say, yeah. Never in a million years would a judge buy off on any of this. But you never know these days, man. You know, when you see a prosecution do such a poor job in this case, I don't put it past anyone.

[Tony Brewski]

Well, here's what the judge has said so far.

[Todd Michaels]

Perfect for you.

[Tony Brewski]

The judge says Combs defense narrative is flatly inconsistent with both reality and his accepting responsibility.

[Stacy Cole]

Good.

[Todd Michaels]

Good.

[Stacy Cole]

There you go.

[Tony Brewski]

So that's how the letter's landing as of right now. The full quote is, in general, the narrative that he and his attorneys have put forth that this case involves nothing more than adults paying for time, not sex, is flatly inconsistent with both reality and his accepting responsibility. The judge. Yeah. Does not seem to be taking this lightly. And.

[Walton Goggins]

Good.

[Todd Michaels]

Yeah, I can think about this, too. So we're going back to that letter. What's every. What's the only things he's covering in the letter? The things he actually. You saw videos for. He didn't call to talk about all the, the accusing stuff and all the. What people are saying about baby oil, about lacing baby oil, about trafficking children. He didn't cover any of that stuff in there because he only covered stuff that actually people saw video for. They got caught. Anything. Right, Exactly. Line. I'm glad the judge said that. Good.

[Tony Brewski]

Well, the, the, the prosecutor saying today is about accountability and justice. Accountability for the defendant who committed serious federal crimes repeatedly over the course of 15 years, and justice for the public, including for the victims whose lives have been shattered by the defendant's acts of abuse and exploitation. This isn't just a case about freak offs or hotel nights, she continued. It's a case with real victims who have suffered real harm at the hands of the defendant. It's about a man who did horrible things to other people to satisfy his own sexual gratification.

[Stacy Cole]

There it is.

[Todd Michaels]

And here's another thing, too, I think.

[Tony Brewski]

And by the way, he has a speaking engagement book next week. Combs does continue on.

[Todd Michaels]

Yeah, freaking hell. So, and here's another tragedy. If they don't throw everything they can at him.

[Stacy Cole]

And.

[Todd Michaels]

And that's because. Think about the amazing. Because as you're reading that, Tony, I'm thinking about, you know, all these. All these young kids and upcoming amazing artists that thought, this is the way that I have to do it to be successful. When this comes to light, how many great artists that are. That would otherwise be these amazing people in the world say, you know what? Screw that. I'm not getting into this world. I mean, just think about it. Just related to politics, too. You see all the horrendous garbage that they're doing in politics right now, you know, so these great leaders that could really change the world in court of. Of everything are saying, that's not for me, man, because these people are nuts. And so if they don't do something about guys like Diddy, and in Diddy's case in particular, what. What amazing talent will we miss out on? Because parents won't let the kids get into this. I wouldn't want my kids to get into this. I'm still. See what I mean? I said the ripple effect if you don't do justice here, like is saying in the. What the prosecutor's saying, you know, we could really be missing out on a lot. So I really hope it sends a powerful message that, hey, we can right the wrong of this industry so we can be benefited by these amazing people that do have this great talent because they do make the world a better place when they share it.

[Tony Brewski]

Well, all these people that are coming out saying, you know, don't let him out. I fear for my safety.

[Stacy Cole]

I mean, that's a problem.

[Tony Brewski]

That's a problem. There's all these human beings that. That now feel this way. And it doesn't matter that Sean wrote a letter and says, oh, I'm sorry, you know, God did this for me and I started a class and blah.

[Todd Michaels]

Blah, blah, blah, blah.

[Tony Brewski]

Great. Now. Now these people are fearful for their safety and their lives because of his previous pattern of behavior that really doesn't seem to be stopping here. This letter, if anything, just confirms the narcissism continues on. It doesn't. I get nothing out of this letter that. That makes me feel like, okay, he's grounded in reality. It's saying what he knows people want to hear.

[Stacy Cole]

Yeah, I brought this up with Eric Faddis. Was it yesterday? The days are all blurring together for me.

[Tony Brewski]

I Think so? Yeah.

[Stacy Cole]

But the people who are outside who have dealt with him, who are concerned that he's going to get out, they're freaking terrified right now. They are terrified. They are living under this umbrella of terror. And what happens if he gets out? Are they going to be protected from him? And even with him in prison, he has such a wide net of people around him that these people may be in harm's way regardless if he's in prison or not.

[Todd Michaels]

Yeah, I agree.

[Tony Brewski]

I mean, like, yeah, there's just so much. There's a little bit more to the letter. Let's listen to the last piece of Diddy's apology. You know, plea for leniency, letter to.

[Sean Combs (Diddy) - AI Voice]

The judge with 25 other incarcerated people sharing the same one room. In this room that I share, there are no windows. There is no natural clean air, there is no sunlight. And we all live in one room. We eat, sleep, use the toilet, take showers and prepare meals all in the same room. The conditions that my actions have placed me in are inhumane. I don't tell you this for pity or sympathy. I am simply sharing my truth and the truth of my fellow incarcerated people. We have no clean drinking water and we boil our drinking water. We all share one washing machine which is broken. I am surrounded by drugs and live every day with the constant threat of being stabbed or losing my life again. I am not expecting pity or sympathy, but my time at MDC has changed me forever. Prior to being in jail, I took care of and was present for my family. Being in jail and because of my conduct, I lost the ability to care for my mother. I lost the ability to effectively raise and support my children. I have missed my three daughters proms and graduations. I have missed taking one of my daughters to college. I have lost the freedom to teach my 2 year old how to speak, dance, play, or be there to console her when she falls down or has a nightmare. I started from nothing and worked hard to earn everything I had. But because of my conduct, I have lost all of my businesses. I have lost my career. I lost the charter schools that I started and I have destroyed my reputation and stained the reputation of those that worked for me. I lost my being present with my family. Between of all of my losses and blessings, I can state for a fact that I will never be be in another criminal courtroom again. And I do not believe any other person would do anything similar from fear of similar punishment. If you give me a chance, I would like the opportunity to share my story with people too. Prevent at least one person from making the mistakes that I've made. I can't change the past, but I can change the future. I know that God put me here to transform me. Since incarceration, I have gone through a spiritual reset that I'm on a journey that will take time and hard work. I'm proud to say I'm working harder than I ever have before. I'm committed to the journey of remaining a drug free, non violent and peaceful person. I thank God that I'm stronger, wiser, clean, clear and sober. God makes no mistakes. I realize that this trial has received a tremendous amount of global press. Your honor may be inclined to make an example out of me. I would ask your honor to make me an example of what a person can do if afforded a second chance. If you allow me to go home to my family, I promise I will not let you down and I will make you proud. Today I humbly ask you for another chance. Another chance to be a better father, another chance to be a better son, another chance to be a better leader in my community and another chance to live a better life. I am writing this not to gain any sympathy or pity. This experience is simply the truth of my existence and has changed my life forever. And I will never commit a crime again. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sean Combs.

[Stacy Cole]

Nope.

[Walton Goggins]

Nope.

[Todd Michaels]

Nope.

[Tony Brewski]

It must be true. If he says it, it must be true.

[Stacy Cole]

Nope.

[Todd Michaels]

Nope.

[Tony Brewski]

Did any of those things ever really matter to him, though? The charter schools? The laundry list of things he listed off? Or were they all just a means to feed his narcissistic urges to control people and places and everything around him? Was there truly good behind any of that, I guess, is the question. Or was it all the ruse? Was it all the curtain for the public to see? Look how great he is. Look what a wonderful philanthropist he is. He does this, he does that, and it's nothing off of his back. He's got enough money to rule a fricking country, so. Oh, yes, the public thinks that. But behind the curtain, it's, you know, freak off land.

[Todd Michaels]

Yeah, I looked it up because he knows what I do. The first thing he ever did when he started like that charter school and stuff, the first reviews that came in on it were decent, but it fell off pretty rapidly after that because what happened was he started, he. He would set it up, he showed up, and then he just kept handing stuff off. So everything he did from that point on was just all about image management, just like this. I mean, if anyone's ever wondering how to. How to put into practice Persuasion, Influence from Robert Cialdin's book, Influence. This is what it is. And everything out of here is textbook influence and, and persuasion intended to. For an effect of sympathy. And I mean, how many times are you going to throw down family? How many is going to do this? You know, but he never did it before in life. And Stacy, to your point, I saw you do the same thing too, about surrounded by drugs in jail. Yep. See, I told you. No, I watch a lot on TikTok. There's a lot of TikTok, apparently.

[Stacy Cole]

Yeah.

[Tony Brewski]

My question is they have access to boil their own water.

[Annabe Sofas Advertiser]

That's frightening.

[Todd Michaels]

So they do have. Depends on the facility. They have their own small kitchen spaces that if you get stuff from the commissary, you can actually prepare or have your own food. They're allowed to bring very, very limited things back from the mess halls. They can't bring fruit or anything like that back because actually people will make jail room hooch.

[Tony Brewski]

Yeah.

[Todd Michaels]

From fermenting it. So there's a lot of stuff that they're not allowed to have that's contraband. But again, you pay the people off, you can get contraband in because obviously there's drugs there.

[Tony Brewski]

So I would do the boiling. The water was like, well, wouldn't that be a weapon?

[Stacy Cole]

It sounds like a weapon.

[Todd Michaels]

Yeah. Yeah, we'll see. I've never heard of boiling water, but.

[Tony Brewski]

You know, that's what I'm wondering, like, are they act like you, you have access to boiling water like you, that would be, that would be a pretty powerful weapon.

[Todd Michaels]

Yeah, yeah.

[Tony Brewski]

Just to throw that at somebody.

[Stacy Cole]

I, that's why he's got special privileges, because he's diddy.

[Todd Michaels]

So I'm saying I don't believe anything that he says. Just.

[Tony Brewski]

Yeah, I mean, I, I guess that might just be the answer is like, it's just.

[Todd Michaels]

Or he thought once or heard about it once, and it becomes, I mean, that's, that's what we do in life when so very rarely do people actually lie. Lie like complete fabrication. What typically people do is they, they do massive exaggerations and they fill in gaps with, with stories that they'll believe. And, and we were talking about this earlier. I think he totally believes that he's empathetic because he redefines what empathy is. Empathy is where I give money to someone that is actually different than what actually empathy is, but that's what he's defining it as. And so I, I, I think he's just one of those people that's redefined life according to his own dictionary.

[Stacy Cole]

Well, and he's not talking about the, the victims as much as I, I need him to. He's talking about himself. That's it.

[Annabe Sofas Advertiser]

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[Tony Brewski]

The victims were that first three minute block. Stacy, was that not enough for you?

[Stacy Cole]

Apparently not. I am so needy.

[Todd Michaels]

He's true Victims are his kids and his mother. You know, they're the ones that really suffered without him. His poor daughters that had to go to prom without him. Oh, I'm like, good man. Maybe we can save some other kids by keeping him the hell away from him.

[Tony Brewski]

It's the last. Exactly. It's the last few people in his orbit that like, will give him the time of day is probably really what it is. What, what's, what kind of person would believe this letter? I mean, what, what's the profile of an individual who hears this thing and goes, damn, he's telling the truth.

[Todd Michaels]

Someone who wants to. It's. It really comes down to that. It's someone who wants to. And there's always people that want to, and there's always people that are conspiracy theory people. I mean, how many times? It doesn't matter how solid a case is, doesn't matter how solid. Evidence and data, you know, ranks up against people. There's people that are never going to believe it. I've had people reach out to me after the assassination of Charlie Kirk said that that shooter that shot him, you know, that, that, that assassin, that 21, 20 year old kid. Oh no, it's not him. It's a frame. And I'm. What? What? Everything. I've never seen anything more solid in recent years where someone. It was him. I mean, it's his DNA, it's his rifle, it's his grandfather's rifle. The parents turned him in.

[Tony Brewski]

Volunteer he's on camera.

[Todd Michaels]

Yeah. Oh, it's not him, man. I'm like, see what I mean? So if you don't want to believe something, it's amazing the stories our brains will make up. And so there will be people that believe this. There are people that thinks he shouldn't even had to set it because he's completely innocent anyway.

[Tony Brewski]

Yeah, no, no, you're right. I mean, and, and I guess then what is the driver of wanting to believe it?

[Todd Michaels]

Oh, because, because to not believe. So if you invested a lot of time and energy into Diddy, his music, his lifestyle, wanting to be like Diddy. I mean, think about this. There's a lot of people, I don't know how recently, but you know, when he's in his heyday. And it goes with anyone. If you, if you are so vested in trying to be like someone and to follow in those footsteps and be successful and have money and have influence, we'll say it. Influence and not power and manipulation and have all these skills that you coveted in him, then you're going to want to continue to believe that. Because to invalidate what your whole ideal was for where you want to go in life would be invalidating your self identity. We as human beings do not like to do that. Because as much as he'd have to reinvent himself in order to be on that path of redemption, those that follow him and think that that's the way to go would have to do the same thing to their own identity. And that's why he's got people sign up for his class in prison. It's not because, you know, they found him to be a Mother Teresa in there. Like all of a sudden we're going to reform our lives. They're like, all right, I kind of screwed it up my way. He seemed to have it all figured out. Let's follow him for a while. Unless he doesn't get off. I mean, so it'll be really interesting.

[Tony Brewski]

It's going to be fascinating to see the, the next chapter because I mean, at some point he is going to get out. You know, if he survives, which I don't think he's not going to, but it's. Yeah, there's going to be another chapter. It's gonna be. I feel like it's gonna be a train wreck in some way, shape or form. It's just how bad of a train wreck is it gonna be and how many people are gonna be damaged by it? That's the question.

[Todd Michaels]

He's not spiritual enough for me for reform yet. You know, I mean, you have the Malcolm X's that go into prison and come out a completely different human being because they had a firm message of social reform. So think about that too. The people we see that gone into prison that come out different are the ones that actually when had a message of trying to be social justice warriors. And then they had these aha moments of figuring out, wow, that wasn't the way to do it. And, and so they have this, this spiritual awakening inside. And then it's years and years of figuring out how to manifest that into a better way to communicate that for social justice. Diddy is not a social justice warrior. He's a warrior for himself. And so there's a big difference. And so he's trying to align himself as a social justice warrior, framework of this reformation. But really, he's in there because he was all about him. Not because he was doing violence for the sake of social justice and rationalizing, as we've seen these other cases. No, he went in there because he was completely serving himself and no one else.

[Stacy Cole]

Yeah, he's just sorry he got caught.

[Todd Michaels]

Yep.

[Stacy Cole]

Words I've used repeatedly in the last year. Yeah, you're just sorry you got caught. You're not sorry for your actions, Stacy.

[Tony Brewski]

And that letter is just a very narcissistic way of trying to spin it and put a little icing on it and make everybody go, mm, ain't this delicious? Not gonna happen. Robin Drake, retired FBI special agent, former chief of the counterintelligence, behavioral analysis program. As always, thank you so much for joining us. And Monday, we will be talking more about unless something blows up over the weekend, and I hope to God doesn't, I will be talking about the judge and the sheriff, Mickey Steins and some new revelations there, which is kind of fascinating. From some new reporting from Brian Enton of News Nation.

[Todd Michaels]

Yeah, I love Brian Enten. He's just.

[Tony Brewski]

Robin, thank you so much.

[Todd Michaels]

Want more on this case and others?

[Tony Brewski]

Then press subscribe now.

[Todd Michaels]

And don't miss a moment of true crime coverage from Tony Brewski and the Hidden Killers podcast.

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