Sean 'Diddy' Combs moves court seeking immediate release from prison
What's the story
Sean "Diddy" Combs's legal team has filed a request with the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan, asking for his immediate release from prison. They also want his conviction on prostitution-related charges to be overturned or for the trial judge to reduce his four-year sentence. The lawyers argue that the federal judge was too harsh during sentencing and let evidence from acquitted charges affect the punishment.
Case background
Combs's conviction and sentencing details
Combs, 56, is currently serving his sentence at a federal prison in New Jersey, with a scheduled release in May 2028. He was acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges in July but was convicted under the Mann Act for transporting individuals across state lines for sexual offenses. His legal team claims that Judge Arun Subramanian acted as a "13th juror" during sentencing by allowing evidence from the acquitted charges to influence the final decision.
Legal argument
Combs's lawyers argue for reduced sentence
Combs's lawyers have pointed out that he was convicted of two lesser counts, prostitution offenses that did not involve force, fraud, or coercion. They have asked the appeals court to either acquit Combs, order his immediate release from prison, or direct Judge Subramanian to reduce his sentence. The lawyers wrote in their filing: "Defendants typically get sentenced to less than 15 months for these offenses, even when coercion...is involved."
Sentencing explanation
Judge's reasoning for Combs's lengthy sentence
During sentencing, Judge Subramanian explained that he considered Combs's treatment of two former girlfriends who testified against him. They said the Bad Boy Records founder beat them and forced them to have sex with male sex workers while he filmed it. One of these women, Casandra "Cassie" Ventura, testified about being ordered to have sex with strangers hundreds of times during their decade-long relationship.
Judge's statement
Subramanian rejected defense's characterization of Combs's actions
Judge Subramanian rejected the defense's attempt to downplay Combs's actions as "merely intimate, consensual experiences." He stated, "You abused the power and control that you had over the lives of women you professed to love dearly." "You abused them physically, emotionally, and psychologically." The judge added that Combs used this abuse to get his way during "freak-offs and hotel nights."