Sean “Diddy” Combs has asked a federal appeals court to free him from prison and overturn his conviction on two prostitution-related charges, arguing that his sentence was unlawful and based on conduct that should not have been treated as criminal.
In an expedited appeal, lawyers for Sean “Diddy” Combs say the trial judge improperly applied sentencing guidelines and relied on allegations tied to charges for which he was acquitted, resulting in a 50-month prison term they describe as unconstitutional and excessive.
Combs was cleared of racketeering and sex trafficking counts earlier this year but convicted of two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution, following testimony from former partners who accused him of abuse and coercion.
Prosecutors had sought a much longer sentence, while the judge said Combs’ past achievements could not outweigh the seriousness of the conduct. The appeal is the latest effort to reduce or overturn his sentence as he also faces dozens of civil lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct, claims his representatives continue to deny.
