Sean Diddy Combs has asked an appeals court to release him from prison and overturn his conviction on two prostitution-related crimes.
In a court filing for an expedited appeal, the rap mogul's attorney argued that he was improperly sentenced, and that the conduct that resulted in his conviction was not criminal in nature.
Attorney Alexandra Shapiro called Combs' 50-month prison sentence unlawful, unconstitutional, and a perversion of justice. She asked an appeals court to order that Combs be resentenced, should the panel choose not to throw out his conviction in its entirety.
This request is the latest attempt by his team to reduce his sentence or throw out his conviction.
The Southern District of New York, which prosecuted Combs, declined to comment on the request to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.
Combs' lawyers had previously expressed intentions to appeal his sentence and conviction.
Federal prosecutors in New York accused Combs of using his wealth, power, and threat of violence to coerce women into unwanted sexual encounters. During a high-profile trial this spring, the jury heard testimonies from two of Combs’ ex-girlfriends who described abusive relationships, leading to his conviction on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
Although Combs was found not guilty of the two most severe charges, he was sentenced to over four years in prison. Legal representatives argue that the judge did not adhere to proper sentencing guidelines and relied unjustly on acquitted conduct when determining the punishment.
As Combs continues to contest his conviction, he faces numerous civil lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct and exploitation. He has asserted through representatives that he never sexually assaulted or trafficked anyone - man or woman, adult or minor.
