Lawyers for Sean “Diddy” Combs presented arguments to the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday, seeking to overturn his conviction and more than four-year prison sentence for prostitution-related charges. According to TimesLIVE, defense attorney Alexandra Shapiro argued that the trial judge should not have considered evidence related to counts for which Combs was acquitted during sentencing.
Key Takeaways
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ lawyers appealed his conviction for prostitution-related charges, arguing that evidence of abuse should not have been considered in sentencing. A three-judge panel heard arguments on whether to overturn the conviction or reduce the sentence.
- Lawyers argue judge improperly considered acquitted conduct in sentencing
- Prosecutors maintain sentence was appropriate given relevant evidence
- Combs convicted under Mann Act for transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution
The seven-week trial in Manhattan federal court centered on drug-fueled sexual performances involving former girlfriends and male sex workers. As reported by CBS News, Combs' attorneys claimed that his films of these encounters amounted to 'amateur pornography,' protected under the First Amendment, arguing for a narrow interpretation of prostitution laws.
Combs, 56, was found guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution but acquitted of more serious charges like sex trafficking and racketeering. According to Sky News, Shapiro argued that Combs' conviction should be overturned because he allegedly watched his former girlfriends with paid escorts without participating himself.
Prosecutor Christy Slavik countered in court filings, stating that Judge Arun Subramanian rightly considered evidence of threats and abuse toward Combs’ former girlfriends as relevant to the prostitution counts. The appeals court judges reserved judgment for a later date. Combs is currently serving his sentence at a low-security federal prison in Fort Dix, New Jersey.
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