April 10, (THEWILL) — Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ legal team has returned to court in New York to argue that his prison sentence was too harsh and that his conviction should be overturned.
Combs was convicted last year on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. He was cleared of more serious charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.
He was sentenced to 50 months in prison in October 2025 and is currently serving his sentence at Fort Dix federal prison in New Jersey.
Attorneys for Combs argued that his sentence was too harsh because the trial judge, Arun Subramanian, used evidence of coercion and threats linked to sex trafficking and racketeering charges for which Combs was acquitted.
At a hearing before the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan on Thursday, his lawyers said the judge should not have used that evidence when deciding the sentence.
Defence attorney Alexandra Shapiro said: “This case presents an important issue about respect for jury verdicts and public confidence in our criminal justice system.”
She also argued: “It was unlawful, unconstitutional and a perversion of justice to sentence Combs as if the jury had found him guilty of sex trafficking and racketeering charges.”
Prosecutors urged the court to uphold the conviction and sentence. Assistant US Attorney Christy Slavik said the 50-month sentence was reasonable and based on multiple factors, including Combs’ conduct.
She said: “What the judge did here, what really drove his analysis, didn’t rely on acquitted conduct.”
The appeals panel did not issue a ruling after the hearing and said it will deliver its decision at a later date.
Combs’ release date has shifted several times during his incarceration. It was first set for May 8, 2028, before being moved to June 4, 2028. It was later brought forward to April 25, 2028, and most recently adjusted to April 15, 2028, according to prison records.
Evi Ben Ezaga writes on entertainment, culture, and trending stories.
