Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ legal team asks court to set aside jury verdict or grant new trial
Sean ‘Diddy‘ Combs’ lawyers have filed a new motion, asking the court to ignore the jury’s verdict or grant a new trial.
The Bad Boy rapper was found guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution earlier this month, but his legal team are now challenging the outcome.
The legal action, filed on July 30th and obtained by Far Out, claims the remaining convictions under the Mann Act are legally unsupported, constitutionally flawed, and inconsistent with the Department of Justice’s longstanding policy.
According to his lawyers, Combs is allegedly the only person ever convicted under the statute where there was no commercial motive, no coercion, no sex, and no financial benefit.
In court documents, Combs’ team said, “All involved were adults, and the men chose to travel and engage in the activity voluntarily … For over 75 years, DOJ has stated that Mann Act enforcement should be limited to cases targeting defendants who violated the statute for commercial gain.”
They claim the private performances rewatched by Combs and his girlfriends are constitutionally protected sexual expressions.
His attorneys are urging a new trial following “inflammatory evidence.” They added, “A new trial limited to evidence admissible to prove the Mann Act charges is warranted.”
Combs is facing a maximum of 20 years in prison. He avoided a potential life sentence by being acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking.
The filing comes shortly after Combs filed a $50 million bail request, which would require him to reside at his home in Miami.
His sentencing is set for October 3rd. Until then, he will remain behind bars at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, unless bail is granted.
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
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