Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs (AP image)
Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs will appeal his conviction and four-year prison sentence. His lawyers confirmed on Monday that a notice of appeal has been filed in the Federal District Court of New York.Combs, 55, was sentenced to 50 months in prison earlier this month after being found guilty on two counts of prostitution-related charges following an eight-week trial in July. However, he was acquitted of the more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.His attorney, Alexandra Shapiro, filed the appeal notice on October 20, though the grounds of appeal have not yet been detailed, according to USA Today. Combs’ legal team had earlier argued that the law used to convict him, transportation for the purpose of prostitution did not apply in his case.At his sentencing, Combs broke down in court, telling the judge, “I’ve been humbled and broken to my core.” He also apologized to his former partner, singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura Fine and another woman who had testified against him, saying, “My actions were disgusting, shameful and sick.” Before sentencing, Combs wrote a letter to Judge Arun Subramanian, expressing remorse for his past behavior. “I am so sorry for the hurt that I caused,” he said. He added that he accepted full responsibility for his mistakes.Federal prosecutors had pushed for at least 11 years in prison, however the judge imposed a lighter sentence, giving Combs credit for the year he has already spent in custody at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, where he remains incarcerated.The trial, which ran for nearly two months, featured testimony from more than 30 witnesses, including former partners, hotel employees and music industry insiders. Prosecutors alleged that Combs ran a “criminal enterprise” involving sex trafficking, drug use and abuse. However, the jury ultimately acquitted him of those most serious charges, leading to a split verdict.As his legal battle continues, Combs’ defense team is preparing to challenge the conviction in a higher court. The details of the appeal will be filed at a later date.
