Lawyers for Sean "Diddy" Combs have filed a motion with the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan, seeking his immediate release from prison. They argue that his four-year sentence for prostitution-related charges, for which he was convicted under the Mann Act, is excessive and unfairly influenced by evidence of charges he was acquitted of. Combs, currently serving his sentence at a federal prison in New Jersey and due for release in May 2028, was found guilty of transporting individuals across state lines for sexual offenses but acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges at trial.
Combs' legal team contends that the sentencing judge acted as a "thirteenth juror" by allowing acquitted charges to impact the punishment, leading to a sentence significantly harsher than typically imposed for similar offenses, especially those not involving force, fraud, or coercion. They highlight that the jury did not find coercion in his case, yet the judge described Combs as having "coerced," "exploited," and "forced" his girlfriends. The defense is requesting the appeals court to either acquit Combs, order his release, or remand the case for resentencing with a reduced term.
During the sentencing, the judge cited testimony from two former girlfriends who detailed instances of physical abuse and coercion into sexual acts with male sex workers, which Combs allegedly filmed. One former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, testified about being forced to have sex with strangers hundreds of times over their relationship. Jurors also viewed a video of Combs assaulting Ventura. The judge rejected the defense's characterization of these events as consensual, stating that Combs abused his power and control over the women, physically, emotionally, and psychologically.