Diddy has made an appeal for his early release from prison, arguing that his four-year sentence is excessively harsh. The Bad Boy Records founder was sentenced to 50 months in prison last year after being convicted of two charges related to the illegal transportation of individuals for prostitution, in violation of the Mann Act. He was acquitted of more serious allegations involving sex trafficking and racketeering.
In a recent appeal filed on March 13, Diddy’s legal team criticized the sentence as a “perversion of justice.” They are requesting either an immediate release and a judgment of acquittal or, alternatively, a remand for resentencing, as reported by TMZ.
The lawyers allege that Judge Arun Subramanian, who oversaw the trial, employed “acquitted conduct” sentencing. This controversial practice allows for harsher sentences based on allegations for which the defendant was found not guilty. Diddy’s attorneys contend that his 50-month sentence effectively penalizes him for crimes he has been acquitted of, claiming it is approximately four times the typical length for Mann Act convictions.
“What is the point of a jury trial if your sentence is driven by what you were acquitted of doing?” they questioned in the filing.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit is set to review the case, with oral arguments scheduled for April 9. Diddy is currently set to be released on April 25, 2028, according to information from the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
The 56-year-old is incarcerated at FCI Fort Dix, a low-security federal facility in New Jersey that he chose for the duration of his sentence. His legal team had argued that this location would offer him the best opportunity to address substance abuse issues and enhance family visitation.
