Lawyers for Sean “Diddy” Combs are asking a federal appeals court in New York to release him from prison and overturn his conviction for prostitution-related charges, citing harsh sentencing influenced by evidence from charges he was acquitted of.
Appeals Court Involvement in Diddy’s Case
Combs, 56, is currently in a New Jersey federal prison and was sentenced to more than four years. His lawyers claim that the sentencing judge allowed unfair evidence to affect the sentence outcome, which was disproportionately harsh.
Combs was convicted under the Mann Act for transporting individuals across state lines for sexual purposes but was acquitted of more serious charges like racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. His legal team wants his conviction overturned or the sentence reduced.
Details on Sentencing and Evidence
His attorneys argue that the judge acted as a “thirteenth juror” in sentencing Combs, emphasizing that he should have been sentenced based on the actual convictions, which were non-coercive prostitution offenses.
They noted that average sentences for similar offenses are typically around 15 months, far less than what Combs received. They accuse the judge of disregarding the jury’s verdict and incorrectly labeling Combs’ actions as coercive.
Testimonies and Abuse Allegations
During the trial, Combs’ treatments towards two former girlfriends raised significant concerns. Victims described abusive scenarios, including being forced into sexual acts while Combs filmed the encounters.
Testimony included graphic details where one girlfriend reported being ordered to engage in sexual acts with strangers regularly. The judge asserted that Combs misused his power over vulnerable individuals, leading to the severe sentence.
