The federal appeals court heard oral arguments Thursday, April 9, in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ challenge to his 50-month prison sentence.
A judge called it an “exceptionally difficult case” as it raises legal concerns of first impression for federal courts across the country.
The disgraced music mogul, who was found guilty back in October of two counts of interstate transportation for the purpose of prostitution, did not appear at this hearing by a three-judge panel of the US Second Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan.
According to Alexandra Shapiro, a member of the defense team, the trial judge took into account the acquitted charges against Combs, such as extortion and sex trafficking, while imposing a sentence.
Combs’ lawyers argue that he should be released immediately, as his sentence is about four times the usual sentence for such offences. It also claims that the infamous “freak-off” parties represent “amateur po***graphy” entitled to First Amendment protection.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik argued that the 50-month sentence was actually lower than the federal guideline and similar to other cases in the circuit.
After a lengthy two-hour debate on the case, Circuit Judge William J. Nardini conceded that the case was quite complicated, posing questions not only for the judge but also for “every federal court in the nation.”
Currently, Combs is incarcerated at the low-security federal prison in Fort Dix, New Jersey, with an expected release date of April 25, 2028.
