Disgraced Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is pushing back against his conviction under the Mann Act, arguing that federal prosecutors misunderstood the definition of prostitution, which played an important role in his conviction.
In new legal filings, Combs’ attorneys are requesting the judge to either overturn the verdict or grant him a new trial.
What does ‘Prostitution’ really mean?
At the heart of Diddy’s legal battle is the definition of “prostitution,” which federal prosecutors used to convict him under the Mann Act, a law passed in 1910, originally called the White Slave Traffic Act. This legislation was created to stop the trafficking of women for “immoral purposes,” but Diddy’s lawyers claim the definition of prostitution has shifted significantly since then.
Prosecutors, they argue, applied today’s modern understanding of “prostitution,” essentially, sex for money. However, when the Mann Act was enacted, the term was much broader.
According to Combs’ legal team, in 1910, a “prostitute” was defined as a woman who had sex outside of marriage, not necessarily in exchange for money.
Diddy’s lawyers argue this fundamental misunderstanding of the law’s language resulted in his wrongful conviction.
While Combs was acquitted of more serious charges like racketeering and sex trafficking, the jury convicted him on two lesser counts of transporting individuals for prostitution purposes under the Mann Act.
These convictions carry a maximum of 10 years in prison for each count, leaving Diddy with legal jeopardy.
Despite maintaining that he only acted as a voyeur and never paid for sexual encounters, Combs faces sentencing on October 3.
His defense team argues that there is no real evidence to suggest he paid women for sex or that he used the services of escorts in the way prosecutors portrayed.
They believe the lack of solid evidence, combined with the faulty legal interpretation of prostitution, warrants an acquittal or a new trial.
Will Trump Intervene with a Pardon?
Diddy’s legal team is trying to seek a pardon from President Donald Trump. Nicole Westmoreland, one of Combs’ attorneys, confirmed that they have had discussions with the Trump administration about a potential pardon, although the president has signaled that he is unlikely to offer one.
While Trump admitted he got along well with Combs in the past, he also alluded to “terrible statements” made by the mogul about him during the election.
Even though he was acquitted of his most severe charges, Combs still faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for the two Mann Act violations.