Sean 'Diddy' Combs’ lawyers claim judge ‘acted as 13th juror,’ promise to appeal
After Sean “Diddy” Combs was sentenced to more than four years in prison—four times longer than the term his lawyers requested—his defense team argues that the judge unfairly punished him for conduct he was acquitted of. Combs will receive credit for the 12 months he has already served and faces a $500,000 fine for two prostitution-related convictions.
Lead attorney Teny Geragos said the jury made it clear that Combs was found not guilty on sex trafficking and RICO charges, emphasizing, “Not guilty means not guilty.” Combs’ lawyers maintain that their upcoming appeal will focus on the claim that the judge improperly considered conduct rejected by the jury. Attorney Alexandra Shapiro, who will lead the appeal, said the sentencing “was driven by the conduct the jury rejected” and accused the judge of acting as a “13th juror.”
During sentencing, Judge Arun Subramanian highlighted the repeated nature of Combs’ crimes and past violence against former partners, stressing the need for accountability and sending a message to survivors of domestic abuse. Combs’ lawyers acknowledged that certain trial evidence, including a video showing an assault, was damaging and contributed to the sentence, but argued that the rapper had acknowledged his violent past.
Geragos and Shapiro said the lengthy prison term undermines rehabilitation, pointing out that Combs has expressed a commitment to lead a reformed life if given the opportunity. Shapiro added that the combination of prison time served, professional setbacks, and civil lawsuits has already imposed severe consequences, arguing that additional incarceration is unnecessary to reinforce the message against domestic violence. “Mr. Combs’ life has been destroyed by all of this, and additional incarceration isn't needed to send a message,” she said.
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