Sean “Diddy” Combs is asking a New York federal court to vacate his recent convictions or grant him a new trial, according to newly filed motions by his legal team. The filings challenge the validity of a jury’s decision that found Combs guilty on two federal counts tied to transporting women across state lines for sexual purposes.
The charges stem from alleged violations of the Mann Act, a 1910 law that prohibits the interstate transport of individuals for “immoral purposes,” including prostitution. During the eight-week trial, prosecutors argued that Combs arranged travel for women involved in private sex parties—described in court as “freak offs”—with his romantic partner and associates.
While Combs was acquitted of the most serious charges, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, the jury convicted him on two lesser counts. His attorneys say the government relied on salacious details and failed to provide adequate evidence. They argue the case criminalized consensual adult relationships and misconstrued private conduct.
In the motion, Combs’ team maintains that he neither arranged the women’s travel nor engaged in prostitution. Instead, they claim he paid adult entertainers for consensual, recorded acts involving his former partners. “That is not prostitution,” the filing states. “If it is, his conviction is unconstitutional.”
The defense also questions the use of the Mann Act in the case, alleging that the law was applied too broadly. They assert that the acquittal on the most serious counts signals the jury did not find the central narrative credible.
If the court does not overturn the convictions, Combs is seeking a retrial. His legal team argues that the verdict was based on insufficient evidence.
In a separate motion, they have renewed a request for pre-sentencing release, proposing a $50 million bond, house arrest in Miami, limited travel, and the surrender of his passport.
Citing threats to his safety inside Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, his lawyers argue that release is justified. They note that similar defendants have been granted bail under comparable circumstances.
To date, the court has denied those requests, citing concerns about public safety and Combs’ alleged history of violence. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
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