Diddy Files Appeal Asking for ‘Immediate Release’ From Prison

Sean “Diddy” Combs has filed an appeal for his 50-month sentence, claiming that the court handed down an excessive punishment in his federal trial and asking for his “immediate release” from prison.

In the 84-page appeal, filed yesterday and reviewed by Variety, attorney Alexandra A.E. Shapiro argued that Combs’ 50-month sentence was greater than it should have been, laying the blame at the feet of Judge Aran Subramanian and stating that he “acted as the thirteenth juror.” The appeal stated that Subramanian defied the jury’s verdict and found that Combs “coerced,” “exploited” and “forced” his girlfriends to have sex and led a criminal conspiracy, which “trumped the verdict.”

Related Stories

'Holding Space' Journalist Tracy E. Gilchrist Launches Podcast Year After Viral 'Wicked' Interview

‘Heated Rivalry’ Star François Arnaud on Episode 3's Surprise Romance, Sex Scenes With [SPOILER] and Coming Out as Bisexual: ‘I Didn’t Want to Hide’

“Defendants typically get sentenced to less than 15 months for these offenses — even when coercion, which the jury didn’t find here, is involved,” reads the appeal.

Combs was initially convicted in July on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, and was acquitted of the more serious racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges that carried heftier sentences. At his sentencing in October, Subramanian made it clear that Combs’ violence would be a factor in his decision, citing the video of the 2016 incident where he attacked his former girlfriend, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura.

“The same power you used to hurt women, you can use to help them,” he told Combs during the sentencing. “I’m counting on you to make the most of your second chance.”

Shapiro also argued in the appeal that the conviction should be reversed because Combs’ sexual interactions and filming of said acts were protected by the First Amendment, an argument Subramanian had previously rejected.

Combs is currently serving out his sentence at New Jersey’s FCI Fort Dix with a projected release date set for May 2028.