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Sean Combs Appeals Prostitution Conviction, Claims First Amendment Protections

KVIA•Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 7:00 AM•CNN Newsource

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Sean 'Diddy' Combs is appealing his conviction on prostitution-related charges, arguing that his actions were protected under the First Amendment as amateur pornography. His legal team will present their case to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, claiming that the judge improperly considered acquitted conduct in sentencing him to 50 months in prison. Combs was found guilty of arranging travel for escorts to engage in sexual acts with his then-girlfriends, but was acquitted of more serious charges like sex trafficking. His lawyers contend that the Mann Act does not clearly define prostitution, and they seek either an acquittal or a reduced sentence. The appeal is set for Thursday, and prosecutors are urging the court to uphold the conviction.

Key Details: • Appeal hearing scheduled for Thursday at the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. • Combs was sentenced to 50 months in prison in October 2024. • Defense argues that similar cases typically result in sentences of 15 months. • Prosecutors argue that Combs' actions do not fall under First Amendment protections.

criminal-justice celebrity appeal prostitution first-amendment

People & Organizations

Sean CombsCassie VenturaSecond Circuit Court of AppealsUS District Court

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