Sean "Diddy" Combs has officially filed an appeal against his conviction and four-year prison sentence for transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution, known as the Mann Act. The appeal was submitted to the Federal District Court in New York on Monday, October 20th, with more detailed arguments expected in the coming weeks.

Diddy's defense team, led by attorney Alexandra A.E. Shapiro, plans to challenge the jury's verdict, arguing that the conviction was based on consensual activities between adults.

The appeal will be reviewed by a three-judge panel in the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. According to The New York Times, Diddy was acquitted of more serious charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking, during the trial that concluded in July. However, the jury found him guilty of two counts under the Mann Act.

Diddy's legal team has criticized the prosecution's approach, asserting that the charges were an outlier in modern-day Mann Act prosecutions, which typically target pimps. Before his sentencing on October 3rd, Diddy's lawyers argued for a reduced sentence, citing his time already served. The prosecution had sought a much harsher sentence, labeling Diddy "unrepentant" and highlighting alleged instances of violence and intimidation.

Judge Arun Subramanian sentenced Diddy to 50 months in prison and imposed a $500,000 fine, the maximum possible. CNN reported that Diddy addressed the court, expressing remorse and pleading for leniency, but the judge emphasized the harm caused to victims and the need for accountability. The judge recommended that Diddy be incarcerated close to New York and considered for a drug and alcohol addiction program.

Diddy remains at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn as he awaits assignment to a prison. His defense team plans to argue that the sentence was influenced by conduct for which Diddy was acquitted, calling it "unconstitutional." TMZ noted that Diddy's attorneys have requested he serve his sentence at FCI Fort Dix, a low-security facility in New Jersey.

Christina Martinez