Earlier this week, information from the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ database showed that Sean “Diddy” Combs is set to be released on May 8, 2028.
Following the reveal of the end of his estimated 50-month prison sentence, the music mogul is looking to expedite the appeal of his conviction.
“An expedited briefing and argument schedule is critical to ensure that Mr. Combs’s appeal of his sentence does not become moot while the appeal is pending,” says defense attorney Alexandra Shapiro.
Combs’ Case for Appeal
Shapiro says Combs has served 14 months of the sentence, and that his potential for reductions to that sentence could invalidate the request for an appeal.
His sentence could be reduced by 12 months if a previous transfer request is accepted, and if Combs completes the Residential Drug Abuse Program for inmates with substance abuse issues.
In July, Combs was convicted of two counts of transportation for the purposes of prostitution, and was acquitted on charges of more serious and organized sex trafficking and racketeering.
Combs’ appeal, which will challenge both the conviction and the sentencing, posits that the prosecution misapplied a long-standing American statute to his case.
Combs’ Legal Team Responds to Sentence
“Sean’s appeal will challenge the unfair use of the Mann Act, an infamous statute with a sordid history, to prosecute him for sex with consenting adults,” Shapiro said. The defense will argue that Combs’ counts of conviction should not apply because the musician had no financial motive to transport male escorts.
The Mann Act has historically been applied to several high-profile cases, including both R. Kelly and Ghislaine Maxwell as well as boxer Jack Johnson and musican Chuck Berry several decades ago.
Johnson received a posthumous presidential pardon in 2018 for what many believe to be a matter of injustice, and Combs’ legal representation has argued that the Mann Act “has a long and troubling history as a statute with racist origins.”
“In my life, I have made many mistakes, but I am no longer running from them,” Combs said in a letter to a judge before his sentencing.
“I am so sorry for the hurt that I caused, but I understand that the mere words “I’m sorry” will never be good enough as these words alone cannot erase the pain from the past.”
