UPDATE: Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team is moving quickly, announcing plans to appeal his recent sentencing of over 50 months in prison for prostitution-related offenses. The defense argues that the judge acted unjustly by treating Combs as guilty of crimes he was acquitted of, including sex trafficking.
In exclusive interviews with ABC News, Combs’ attorneys expressed outrage at the lengthy sentence, which was four times longer than what they had requested. Lead attorney Teny Geragos stated, “The jury made it very clear in their verdict that they acquitted him of the sex trafficking and the RICO counts. Not guilty means not guilty.”
Combs, who was sentenced on October 3, 2023, will receive credit for the 12 months he has already served and faces a fine of $500,000. His defense is now focusing on an appeal that claims Judge Arun Subramanian improperly considered acquitted charges when determining the sentence.
Attorney Alexandra Shapiro, who will spearhead the appeal, stated, “The Judge acted as a 13th juror. The sentence was driven by the conduct the jury rejected.” She emphasized that, by acquitting Combs of coercion, the jury made it clear that there was no evidence of force against his victims.
During the sentencing, Judge Subramanian cited the “repeated nature” of Combs’ offenses and expressed concerns about the potential for reoffending. “The court is not assured that if released, these crimes would not be committed again,” he remarked.
The emotional weight of this case is significant. Shapiro acknowledged that while some evidence, including a damaging video of Combs’ actions, contributed to the trial’s outcome, Combs is committed to reform. “What is the point of more incarceration for a person like Mr. Combs?” she questioned, arguing for rehabilitation over extended prison time.
Combs himself, in a poignant address before sentencing, expressed his desire to change. “We accept the domestic violence. We take ownership of it,” Geragos reiterated on his behalf, underscoring that this was not the charge for which Combs was convicted.
As the appeal process begins, the legal team argues that Combs has already faced significant consequences: a year in prison, professional setbacks, and a barrage of civil lawsuits. “Mr. Combs’ life has been destroyed by all of this,” Shapiro said, insisting that further incarceration is unnecessary to send a message against domestic violence.
With this appeal, Combs’ attorneys are poised to challenge the foundations of the sentencing, making the case that justice must align with the jury’s verdict. As developments unfold, the legal and public scrutiny surrounding this high-profile case continues to intensify.
Stay tuned for more updates on this breaking story as it evolves.
