Sean “Diddy” Combs files appeal calling for his immediate release

Sean “Diddy” Combs is asking the Court of Appeal to free him and overturn his convictions for two prostitution-related offences.

In a court filing requesting an expedited appeal, the rap mogul’s lawyers argued that his sentence was inappropriate and that the conduct that led to his conviction was not criminal in nature.

Attorney Alexandra Shapiro called Coombs’ 50-month prison sentence “unlawful, unconstitutional and a perversion of justice.” She asked the appeals court to order Combs to be resentenced if the jury chooses not to overturn his conviction entirely.

The plea is the latest attempt by his team to reduce his sentence or overturn his conviction.

The Southern District of New York, which prosecuted Coombs, declined to comment on the request to the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals.

Combs’ attorneys have previously said they would appeal his sentence and conviction.

Federal prosecutors in New York accuse Combs of using his money, power and threats of violence to coerce women into having unwanted sexual acts.

In a high-profile trial this spring, jurors heard testimony from two of Combs’ ex-girlfriends, Cassie Ventura and a woman who testified as “Jane Doe.” They said Combs abused them and forced them to participate in so-called “perverse” activities with male escorts.

The jury found Combs not guilty of the two most serious charges: racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. They convicted him of two counts of transportation for prostitution.

After his conviction in September, Coombs asked Judge Arun Subramanian to consider acquittal or a new trial. Challenges to Mann Act anti-prostitution regulations was used to prosecute Coombs. That bid was unsuccessful.

Before sentencing, Coombs’ attorneys argued that he should receive a brief sentence that would essentially equal time served, a request that would pave the way for a speedy release. However, prosecutors asked the judge to sentence Combs to at least 11 years in prison.

U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian ultimately sentenced Combs to more than four years in prison. He said he took into account Coombs’ contributions to society and the comments of family and friends, but “the history of good work cannot erase your record.”

Coombs’ appeal said Judge Subramanian failed to properly follow sentencing guidelines when sentencing him to 50 months in prison.

The report found that the judge “flouted” the new guidelines when setting the penalty and improperly considered Coombs’ conduct in his acquittal. The document said the judge “acted as the 13th juror” in the case and called the sentence “harsh.”

Before Judge Subramanian handed down the sentence, Combs apologized to Ms. Ventura and “Jane.”

“My actions were disgusting, disgraceful and disgusting,” Combs said. “I was lost in excess and lost in myself.”

Combs also faces dozens of pending civil lawsuits that accuse him of sexual assault, rape and sexual exploitation. Many of the lawsuits accuse rappers of using their fame and power to silence plaintiffs through threats. Some detailed allegations that the rapper or his crew drugged people at the party before the alleged attack.

Representatives for Mr. Coombs have repeatedly said he “never sexually assaulted or trafficked anyone — man or woman, adult or minor.”