- A federal judge has granted Sean “Diddy” Combs’ request for an expedited appeals schedule for his 50-month prison sentence.
- Combs is fighting two convictions for interstate prostitution, with his legal team arguing the historical Mann Act was unfairly applied.
- The new timeline sets oral arguments for as early as April, significantly speeding up the legal battle for the fallen music mogul.
- Combs is currently serving his sentence at a low-security federal prison in New Jersey, with a potential release date of May 2028.
The Race Against Time: Diddy’s Legal Battle Intensifies
In a significant development, a federal judge has approved Sean “Diddy” Combs’ request for an accelerated appeals process just days after he was transferred to a New Jersey prison. U.S. Circuit Court Judge Beth Robinson’s decision on Monday marks a crucial, albeit early, victory for Combs’ legal team as they fight to reduce his 50-month sentence.
The judge outlined a swift schedule for the appeal. Combs’ legal brief is due by December 23, with the U.S. government required to respond by February 20. A final reply from Combs’ team is slated for March 13, paving the way for oral arguments to potentially begin as early as April. This fast-tracked timeline is a critical step in the defense’s strategy to challenge the conviction and shorten the hip-hop icon’s time behind bars.
The Conviction and Acquittal
This summer, Combs was convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, a violation of the Mann Act. The verdict followed a high-profile trial where federal prosecutors accused Combs of running a “criminal enterprise” that involved coercive, drug-fueled sexual encounters. However, the jury acquitted him on the most severe charges, including racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion. Despite the acquittals, the prostitution convictions landed him a multi-year prison sentence.
A Controversial Defense Strategy
Combs’ defense is mounting a challenge against the very foundation of the prosecution’s case. In a recent filing, defense attorney Alexandra Shapiro stated their appeal will target the “unfair use of the Mann Act, an infamous statute with a sordid history, to prosecute him for sex with consenting adults.” The legal team argues that the century-old law is being misapplied in a modern context, a move that could have broader legal implications if successful.
Life Behind Bars and the Road Ahead
Combs was recently transferred to a low-security federal prison at Fort Dix, New Jersey, a facility that houses approximately 4,000 inmates. Having already served 14 months since his arrest in September 2024, his current release date is set for May 8, 2028. While this accelerated appeal offers a glimmer of hope for an earlier release, he could also reduce his sentence through good behavior or by completing specific prison programs. This latest ruling ensures that the next chapter in Diddy’s legal saga will unfold much sooner than anyone expected.
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