BREAKING: Diddy Seeks Immediate Release as Appellate Court Reviews Mann Act Conviction and Sentence
NEW YORK – Attorneys for Sean “Diddy” Combs filed a motion with the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday, urging the court to order his immediate release or overturn his prostitution-related conviction. They contend the sentence was improperly influenced by evidence tied to charges he was acquitted of at trial.
The 56-year-old rapper, now imprisoned in a New Jersey facility, is due for release in May 2028. He was acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, but was convicted under the Mann Act, which prohibits transporting individuals across state lines for sexual crimes.
The defense argues that Judge Arun Subramanian acted like a “thirteenth juror” at sentencing in October, allowing evidence related to the acquitted charges to shape the punishment. They emphasize Combs was convicted on two lesser counts-prostitution offenses that do not require force, fraud, or coercion-and ask the appeals court to acquit, order his release, or direct a sentence reduction.
“Defendants typically receive far shorter terms for thes offenses – even when coercion, which the jury did not find here, is involved,” the lawyers wrote. They argued the judge’s findings that Combs coerced and exploited his partners trumped the jury’s verdict and produced a sentence “the highest ever imposed” for a defendant with similar charges.
During sentencing, Subramanian noted that he considered allegations from two former girlfriends who testified that Combs beat them and coerced them into sexual encounters with male sex workers, including instances filmed by him. In certain specific cases, the encounters extended over multiple days and involved photography or video.
At trial, one former girlfriend, identified as Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura, testified that Combs directed her to have “repulsive” sex with strangers hundreds of times during their decade-long relationship, which ended in 2018. Jurors were shown footage of a confrontation in a Los Angeles hotel hallway following one multi-day encounter.
Another former partner, who testified under the pseudonym “Jane,” said she was pressured into sex with male workers during what Combs called “hotel nights,” spanning 2021 to 2024 and extending over several days.
Subramanian rejected arguments that the episodes amounted to private, consensual experiences or were part of a carefree lifestyle. He stated that Combs abused his power and control over the women involved, using that power to influence outcomes in the relationship dynamics, especially during the flagged incidents.
Key facts at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | sean “Diddy” Combs |
| Location | New York federal appeals court (Manhattan) |
| Charges | Mann Act violation; two prostitution counts |
| Verdicts | Acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking; convicted on two prostitution counts |
| sentence | Four years and two months in prison |
| Current status | Appeal filed; seeking immediate release or sentence reduction |
| Key testimonies | Cassie Ventura and Jane described coercive acts; video evidence of abuse |
| Judge | U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian |
As the appellate review unfolds, legal observers are watching how the court weighs the use of acquitted conduct in sentencing and whether the court can correct potential overreach in punishment. The outcome could influence how future cases handle similar disputes between verdicts and sentencing findings.
Readers, should appellate courts scrutinize sentences that rely on conduct for which a defendant was not found guilty? Do high-profile defendants deserve different standards in sentencing? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Stay with us for updates as the 2nd Circuit weighs this vital post-trial question.
Disclaimer: This report summarizes ongoing legal proceedings. For authoritative interpretations, consult official court documents and announcements.
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