Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Urges Immediate New York Prison Release in Appeal

Sean “Diddy” Combs is seeking immediate release from prison as his legal team appeals his conviction on prostitution-related charges. On Tuesday, lawyers filed a motion with the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York, advocating for the reversal of Combs’ conviction or a reduction in his four-year sentence.

Reason for the Appeal

Combs, 56, is currently incarcerated in New Jersey and is scheduled for release in May 2028. His lawyers argue that the federal judge, Arun Subramanian, imposed a harsh sentence influenced by evidence regarding charges Combs was acquitted of during his trial.

Context of the Case

• Combs was acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges.
• He was convicted under the Mann Act, which prohibits transporting individuals across state lines for illegal sexual activities.
• His conviction consisted of two lesser counts related to prostitution that did not involve force or coercion.

During the sentencing phase, Judge Subramanian acted as a “thirteenth juror,” according to Combs’ lawyers, by allowing evidence from acquitted charges to influence the sentence. They highlighted that similar offenders typically receive sentences of less than 15 months, even when coercion is present.

Judicial Findings

Combs’ lawyers criticized the judge’s characterization of his actions, arguing that Subramanian’s comments indicated bias against Combs. They noted that the judge described Combs as having coerced former girlfriends into sexual activities and conducting a criminal conspiracy.

Testimonies at Trial

Two former girlfriends provided testimony against Combs, detailing abusive experiences. Casandra “Cassie” Ventura described being pressured into engaging in sexual acts with strangers. She recounted incidents where Combs would film these encounters, which she labeled as “disgusting.”

Another girlfriend, using the pseudonym “Jane,” testified about being coerced into prostitution-like scenarios during “hotel nights,” which involved prolonged drug-fueled encounters.

Judge’s Comments at Sentencing

While sentencing Combs, Judge Subramanian emphasized the power dynamics at play. He stated that Combs had abused his influence to manipulate women, who he professed to care for. The judge rejected the defense’s attempt to downplay these incidents as consensual experiences.

In their appeal, Combs’ attorneys have requested that the court either acquit him or reduce his sentence significantly. Currently, the appeals court has yet to schedule oral arguments for this case.