Diddy Appeals Federal Sex-Crimes Conviction, Four-Year Sentence in New York

Sean "Diddy" Combs has filed an appeal against his conviction and 50-month prison sentence for two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution under the Mann Act, following his acquittal on more serious charges including racketeering and sex trafficking. The appeal was submitted to the Federal District Court in New York, with detailed arguments expected in the coming weeks, and will be reviewed by a three-judge panel in the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Combs' defense argues that the conviction was based on consensual activities and criticizes the prosecution's approach as an outlier in modern Mann Act cases. Despite expressing remorse during sentencing, Judge Arun Subramanian emphasized the harm caused and sentenced Combs to serve his time near New York, recommending a drug and alcohol program. Combs remains detained at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center while awaiting prison assignment, with his legal team planning to challenge the constitutionality of the sentence, citing conduct for which he was acquitted. The appeal marks the next legal step after an eight-week trial that featured testimonies from various witnesses, including former girlfriends and associates.