Lawyers representing music executive Sean Combs, popularly known as Diddy, have filed an appeal challenging the prison sentence handed to the mogul, arguing that the punishment is excessive and was improperly influenced by allegations for which he was acquitted.
In the appeal, Combs’ legal team argued that although a jury found him not guilty of serious federal charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, he still received a sentence significantly higher than what is typically imposed for the offences he was ultimately convicted of.
The rapper was convicted on two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution under the Mann Act after a trial that lasted about two months.
In July, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian sentenced Combs to 50 months in prison. However, his lawyers argue that the sentence is disproportionate, describing it in court filings as “a perversion of justice.”
They further claim the judge relied on what is known as “acquitted conduct” sentencing — a practice where courts consider allegations rejected by a jury when determining punishment. According to the appeal, the defence believes the sentence was improperly influenced by charges the jury had already dismissed.
The filing also stated that the judge effectively acted as “a thirteenth juror” during the sentencing process.
Combs’ legal team is now asking the appellate court to intervene and overturn the decision. They have requested that the court “order Mr. Combs’ immediate release and grant a judgment of acquittal or at least vacate and remand for resentencing.”
The appeal now places the case before a higher court, which will determine whether the sentencing process was handled appropriately or if the punishment should be reduced or reconsidered.
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