Sean Combs Files Appeal Against Conviction and 4-Year Prison Sentence in Manhattan Federal Court
Sean Combs has officially begun the process of appealing his conviction and four-year prison sentence. The music mogul filed a formal notice of appeal on Monday, confirming his intention to challenge both the verdict and the length of his sentence.
Sean Combs has filed a formal appeal to challenge his conviction and 50-month prison sentence, with detailed arguments expected soon.
Jane Rosenberg/Reuters/Redux
The two-page document, filed in Manhattan federal court, lists Alexandra A.E. Shapiro as Combs’ appellate attorney. The filing follows Shapiro’s earlier statement, made on the day of Combs’ sentencing on October 3, that the defense would pursue a court challenge. More detailed legal arguments explaining the grounds for the appeal will be submitted to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in the coming weeks, where a three-judge panel will review the case.
Combs, 55, has been in federal custody since his arrest last year. The Bad Boy Records founder, who built a multi-billion-dollar empire across music, media, and business ventures, was convicted on July 2 on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution under the Mann Act. The jury acquitted him on three more serious charges: racketeering conspiracy and alleged sex trafficking involving Casandra “Cassie” Ventura and another woman identified as Jane.
During the seven-week trial, both Ventura and Jane testified that they were pressured to take part in sexual encounters arranged by Combs, describing the events as “freak-offs” and “hotel nights.” They detailed physical abuse and threats, claiming Combs orchestrated the encounters, recorded them, and used violence to maintain control.
Combs’ defense team argued that his acquittals on the most serious charges should prevent the court from factoring in allegations of coercion. However, Judge Arun Subramanian cited the women’s testimonies and corroborating evidence as significant factors in his decision to impose a 50-month sentence, rejecting the defense’s request for a 14-month term. The judge referenced messages, photos, and videos shown at trial, describing the incidents as evidence of “subjugation.”
Ahead of the sentencing, Ventura submitted a written statement detailing years of alleged abuse. She described being manipulated through violence, threats, and drugs, saying that her participation in sexual acts became a means of survival within the relationship.
Before his sentencing, Combs addressed the court to express remorse. He apologized directly to Ventura and his family, saying he had been “humbled and broken” by the experience. Combs stated, “I got lost in the excess. I got lost in my ego. I’ve been stripped down to nothing. I really am truly sorry for it all.”
