Sean “Diddy” Combs has officially filed an appeal against his federal conviction and four-year prison sentence for Mann Act violations, challenging the jury’s verdict in a move that could prolong his legal battle. The appeal was submitted on October 20, 2025, with his defense team planning to argue that the conviction was based on consensual activities between adults.
Diddy was convicted in July 2025 on two counts of transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution, under the Mann Act, while being acquitted of more serious charges including racketeering and sex trafficking. The trial, held in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, concluded after the jury deliberated for several days, with the verdict reflecting a mixed outcome for the high-profile mogul. His acquittal on the graver counts was viewed as a significant relief for the defense, but the Mann Act convictions carried substantial legal consequences, highlighting the complexities of federal prostitution laws.
On October 3, 2025, Judge Arun Subramanian sentenced Diddy to 50 months in prison and imposed a $500,000 fine, the maximum penalty for the offenses. During the sentencing hearing, federal prosecutors portrayed Diddy as “unrepentant” and cited alleged instances of violence and intimidation, while his attorneys appealed for leniency, noting his time already served and his philanthropic efforts. Diddy personally addressed the court, expressing remorse and requesting a lighter sentence, but Judge Subramanian underscored the harm inflicted on victims and the necessity of holding him accountable for his actions.
The notice of appeal was formally filed on Monday, October 20, 2025, in the federal court in New York, with Alexandra A.E. Shapiro leading the defense team. Legal documents indicate that the appeal will be heard by a three-judge panel in the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, with a substantive brief expected within four to six weeks. Diddy’s lawyers intend to challenge the constitutionality of the sentence, arguing that it was improperly influenced by conduct for which he was acquitted, and to contest the basis of the conviction itself.
Diddy’s legal team has criticized the prosecution’s strategy, asserting that the Mann Act charges were atypical in modern contexts, where such laws are more commonly applied to pimps rather than consensual arrangements. They contend that the conviction and sentence represent an overreach and plan to seek a reversal based on legal precedents and evidentiary issues. This appeal could potentially reshape interpretations of the Mann Act, influencing future cases involving similar allegations and setting benchmarks for prosecutorial discretion.
Currently, Diddy remains detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, awaiting assignment to a federal prison facility. Judge Subramanian recommended that he be incarcerated near New York City to allow for family visits and participation in a drug and alcohol addiction program, as requested during sentencing. His defense has formally asked the Bureau of Prisons to place him at FCI Fort Dix, a low-security correctional institution in New Jersey, known for its less restrictive environment compared to higher-security prisons.
The appeal filing marks a critical juncture in Diddy’s ongoing legal saga, which has drawn widespread media coverage and public scrutiny, often compared to other celebrity trials. If the appeal succeeds, it could result in a reduced sentence, a new trial, or even an overturned conviction, but if denied, Diddy will begin serving his prison term. The outcome is poised to impact his legacy in the music and entertainment industries, as well as broader legal discussions on the application of federal statutes in high-profile criminal cases.