Whelp, Sean “Diddy” Combs has been dealt one other main authorized blow after Choose Arun Subramanian denied his request for a brand new trial or an acquittal forward of sentencing. The choice, issued Tuesday, September 30, dismissed arguments from Combs’ authorized workforce that his convictions violated constitutional rights.
His legal professionals, which TBH are an all star workforce, claimed prosecutors had persuaded jurors to convict solely as a result of Combs organized for ladies or paid escorts to cross state traces for intercourse. They argued that such encounters, together with the notorious “freak-off” gatherings, needs to be thought of protected underneath the First Modification, evaluating them to consensual voyeurism somewhat than prostitution.
Get this, Choose Subramanian strongly rejected that line of protection. In his written opinion, he acknowledged that movie generally is a protected medium however drew a transparent boundary. “Sooner or later, in any other case unlawful conduct shouldn’t be made authorized just because it’s filmed,” he wrote. He added that viewing pornographic performances can’t be used to protect prison exercise, stressing that the proof confirmed Combs’ actions went far past any protected exercise.
The agency ruling cited testimony from Cassie Ventura, extra Jane Doe witnesses, escorts concerned within the incidents, in addition to digital proof together with texts and emails. The decide famous that prosecutors had offered “overwhelming proof” of Combs’ violations underneath the Mann Act. He additionally highlighted testimony indicating Combs usually filmed with out consent and for his quick gratification, underscoring the prison nature of his conduct.
With sentencing scheduled for October 3, like in two days, Combs now faces the fact of federal jail time with out the potential of a retrial to reduce or overturn his conviction.