Lawyers representing music executive and rapper Sean Combs, popularly known as Diddy, have filed an appeal challenging the 50-month prison sentence handed to the entertainment mogul, arguing that the punishment is excessive and improperly influenced by allegations a jury had already rejected.
In court filings submitted to an appellate court, Combs’ legal team contended that although a jury cleared him of serious federal charges—including sex trafficking and racketeering under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act—the sentence imposed was far harsher than what is typically given for the crimes of which he was actually convicted.
The rapper was convicted on two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution under the Mann Act after a trial that lasted nearly two months.
Last year, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian sentenced Combs to 50 months in prison. However, his lawyers argue the sentence is disproportionate and inconsistent with legal standards.
In their appeal, the defense described the ruling as “a perversion of justice.”
According to the filing, the judge relied on what is known as “acquitted conduct” sentencing, a controversial practice in which courts consider allegations rejected by a jury when determining a defendant’s punishment.
Combs’ attorneys argued that the sentencing decision was improperly influenced by charges the jury had already dismissed.
“The district court effectively acted as a ‘thirteenth juror,’” the legal team said in the appeal, insisting that the ruling undermines the jury’s verdict.
The lawyers are asking the appellate court to intervene and reverse the sentencing decision.
They urged the court to “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 followed proper legal standards or whether the punishment should be reduced or reconsidered.
