In brief
Sean 'Diddy' Combs has filed an appeal seeking to overturn his prostitution-related conviction and has asked for immediate release from prison. His attorney claims the sentence is unconstitutional, and the actions leading to his conviction were not criminal. The appeal marks another step in Combs' legal battles after being sentenced to over four years in prison earlier this year following serious allegations against him. His team argues that the judge did not adhere to proper sentencing guidelines and claims the conviction should be thrown out entirely.
Sean 'Diddy' Combs has asked an appeals court to release him from prison and overturn his conviction on two prostitution-related crimes.In a court filing for an expedited appeal, the rap mogul's attorney argued that he was improperly sentenced and that the conduct that resulted in his conviction was not criminal in nature.Attorney Alexandra Shapiro called Combs' 50-month prison sentence unlawful, unconstitutional, and a perversion of justice. She asked an appeals court to order that Combs be resentenced should the panel choose not to throw out his conviction in its entirety.The request is the latest attempt by his team to reduce his sentence or invalidate his conviction. The Southern District of New York, which prosecuted Combs, declined to comment on the request to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. Combs' lawyers had previously stated their intention to appeal his sentence and conviction.Federal prosecutors in New York accused Combs of using his money, power, and the threat of violence to coerce women into unwanted sexual encounters. During a high-profile trial this spring, two of Combs' ex-girlfriends testified against him, detailing allegations of abuse and coercion.While the jury acquitted him of the most serious charges, they found him guilty on two counts related to prostitution. In September, Combs asked for an acquittal or a new trial, pointing to objections over how the law was applied in his case, but that request was denied.Ahead of his sentencing, Combs' attorneys argued he should receive a minimal sentence. Instead, Judge Arun Subramanian imposed a sentence exceeding four years after considering the nature of the crimes and Combs' previous behavior.The appeal claims the judge did not follow the proper sentencing guidelines and improperly considered acquitted conduct in determining Combs' punishment. Combs apologized during the sentencing, acknowledging his actions as disgusting, shameful, and sick. He now faces several civil lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct, which he has denied.
