Sean “Diddy” Combs is getting into a crucial second in his profession after being discovered responsible on two counts associated to transporting people for prostitution. With sentencing set for subsequent month, the hip hop icon is pushing again laborious, asking the court docket for both a brand new trial or a full acquittal.
In response to filings reported by TMZ, Diddy’s legal professionals are taking intention on the basis of the case. They argue prosecutors leaned on an outdated interpretation of the Mann Act, a legislation first created in 1910. The protection factors out that the time period “prostitute” initially meant girls who engaged in intercourse outdoors of marriage, which is a a lot narrower definition than what’s used immediately. By revisiting the origins of the legislation, his group hopes to undermine the jury’s determination.
Diddy has additionally disputed the best way prosecutors framed his monetary connections to the lads on the heart of the case. His legal professionals preserve that any funds had been for time and companionship, not sexual companies. The argument strikes instantly on the core of the costs and is designed to create doubt across the authorities’s claims.
Prosecutors haven’t proven any indicators of backing down. They describe the proof as “overwhelming” and argue that Diddy used his cash and affect to regulate individuals round him. Courtroom papers accuse him of leveraging threats to careers and livelihoods, portray his conduct as coercive as a substitute of consensual.
The jury’s determination itself mirrored some distinction. Whereas Diddy was convicted on transportation costs, he was cleared of extra extreme allegations that included intercourse trafficking and racketeering. Nonetheless, the stakes stay excessive. He faces as much as 20 years in jail, although reviews counsel prosecutors will suggest nearer to 4. His subsequent court docket date is about for October 3.