Federal appeals court judges heard oral arguments Thursday, April 9, in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ challenge to his 50-month prison sentence.
One 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 convicted in October of two counts of interstate transportation for the purpose of prostitution, did not appear at the hearing in his case by a three-judge panel in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in Manhattan.
According to Alexandra Shapiro, a member of the defense team, the judge in the case took into account the acquitted charges against Combs, such as extortion and sex trafficking, when imposing the sentence.
Combs’ attorneys say he should be released immediately since his sentence is about four times the usual punishment for such crimes. It is also claimed that the notorious “crazed” parties represent “amateur por***ography” that is entitled to protection under the First Amendment.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik argued that the 50-month sentence was, in fact, below the federal guideline range and similar to other Circuit cases.
After a lengthy two-hour debate on the matter, Circuit Judge William J. Nardini admitted that the case was quite complicated and raised questions not only for the judge but also for “every federal court in the nation.”
Combs is currently incarcerated at the low-security federal penitentiary in Fort Dix, New Jersey, with a scheduled release date of April 25, 2028.
