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 throw out 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 said they would 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, the jury heard from two of Combs' ex-girlfriends, Cassie Ventura and a woman testifying as Jane Doe, asserting that Combs abused them and forced them into so-called freak-offs with male escorts.
The jury acquitted Combs of the two most serious charges: racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, but convicted him on two counts related to transportation for prostitution. In September, Combs sought an acquittal or new trial, disputing the application of the Mann Act under which he was prosecuted, but was not granted relief.
Leading up to his sentencing, Combs' attorneys argued for a minimal sentence citing a history of good works, while prosecutors sought a sentence of at least 11 years. Ultimately, US District Judge Arun Subramanian sentenced him to 50 months, considering both his contributions to society and his criminal record. Combs is also facing civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault and coercion, which his representatives have denied.
The request is the latest attempt by his team to reduce his sentence or throw out 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 said they would 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, the jury heard from two of Combs' ex-girlfriends, Cassie Ventura and a woman testifying as Jane Doe, asserting that Combs abused them and forced them into so-called freak-offs with male escorts.
The jury acquitted Combs of the two most serious charges: racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, but convicted him on two counts related to transportation for prostitution. In September, Combs sought an acquittal or new trial, disputing the application of the Mann Act under which he was prosecuted, but was not granted relief.
Leading up to his sentencing, Combs' attorneys argued for a minimal sentence citing a history of good works, while prosecutors sought a sentence of at least 11 years. Ultimately, US District Judge Arun Subramanian sentenced him to 50 months, considering both his contributions to society and his criminal record. Combs is also facing civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault and coercion, which his representatives have denied.
