Diddy Seeks Early Release from Prison, Claims Harsh Sentencing After Prostitution Conviction

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In a recent filing with the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan, lawyers for hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs are pushing for his immediate release from prison or a reduced sentence. Combs, 56, was convicted under the Mann Act for transporting people across state lines for sexual crimes, but was acquitted of more serious charges, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. The lawyers argue that federal Judge Arun Subramanian's four-year, two-month sentence was excessively harsh, citing the judge's consideration of evidence related to the acquitted charges. They claim that this evidence unfairly influenced the sentencing, effectively making the judge a "thirteenth juror." Combs' lawyers also point out that defendants typically receive sentences of less than 15 months for similar offenses. The lawyers are seeking to reverse the conviction or have the sentence reduced, citing the fact that Combs was only convicted of two lesser counts of prostitution offenses that did not involve force, fraud, or coercion. They argue that the judge's sentence was the longest ever imposed for a similar offense. The case centers around Combs' treatment of two former girlfriends, who testified that he coerced them into having sex with male sex workers while he watched and filmed the encounters. The judge at sentencing described Combs' behavior as an abuse of power and control over the women, saying he used physical, emotional, and psychological abuse to get his way. Combs' lawyers are now urging the appeals court to consider the case, which has not yet had oral arguments. If successful, the appeal could result in Combs' early release from prison or a reduced sentence.