Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Legal Team Challenges Conviction
On Wednesday, Sean “Diddy” Combs’ attorneys contested his conviction under the Mann Act, requesting that the court either overturn the verdict or grant a new trial.
Documents reviewed indicated that the judge had dismissed all claims related to trafficking and assault against Combs, declaring him not guilty of charges including coercion, human trafficking, and assault. The defense contended that Diddy is the sole convicted individual in this scenario, allegedly labeled a “prostitute,” despite not profiting from any actions.
The legal filing emphasized that all parties involved were adults who voluntarily participated in the events in question. Diddy’s team argued that the Mann Act conviction was not legally sound, claiming it contradicts years of Justice Department practice.
Furthermore, the submission underscored that adults engaging in consensual activities shouldn’t be subject to prosecution. It maintained that private actions recorded for personal viewing should be deemed constitutionally protected forms of expression.
“This belief should not exist at all,” the filing stated, arguing that for over 75 years, the DOJ has insisted the Mann Act should apply only to those exploiting the law for commercial gain.
The argument continued, insisting Diddy’s rights under the First Amendment were being violated. It described instances where Combs and his girlfriend filmed their interactions for later viewing, likening it to amateur pornography.
“This taps into First Amendment considerations, as it shows adults consensually engaged in activities,” the court documents noted.
The legal team also claimed that if the court denies acquittal, a new trial is warranted due to significant bias caused by inflammatory evidence presented during the previous trial.
They referenced a controversial video featuring Diddy in a violent encounter with Cathy Ventura, stressing that this evidence was meant to support unrelated charges of racketeering and trafficking, which they argued were unfounded.
The defense pointed out that the bias surrounding these issues would not have been tolerated in a trial focusing solely on the Mann Act allegations. They further criticized the fact that Combs remains incarcerated for actions characterized as consensual agreements with an adult partner.
Additionally, the filing expressed, “We are assured of a new trial strictly limited to relevant evidence for the Mann Act claims.” Diddy’s team insisted he had been unduly singled out.
“Since his arrest last September, the government has depicted Sean Combs as a predator,” the court documents claimed. “Prosecutors accused him of leading a two-decade exploitation ring, but his trial revealed no credible support for these accusations, leading to their dismissal.”
“This prosecution was without precedent. The verdict is detrimental,” Diddy’s team stated in a response. The decision regarding the verdict is scheduled for October 3rd.
