Sean Diddy Combs has asked an appeals court to release him from prison and overturn his conviction on two prostitution-related crimes.
In a court filing for an expedited appeal, the rap mogul's attorney argued that he was improperly sentenced, and that the conduct that resulted in his conviction was not criminal in nature.
Attorney Alexandra Shapiro called Combs' 50-month prison sentence unlawful, unconstitutional, and a perversion of justice. She asked an appeals court to order that Combs be resentenced should the panel choose not to throw out his conviction in its entirety.
The request is the latest attempt by his team to reduce his sentence or throw out his conviction.
The Southern District of New York, which prosecuted Combs, declined to comment on the request to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.
Federal prosecutors in New York accused Combs of using his money, power, and the threat of violence to coerce women into unwanted sexual encounters.
During a high-profile trial this spring, the jury heard from two of Combs' ex-girlfriends. They stated that he abused them and forced them to participate in unwanted sexual acts.
The jury ultimately found Combs not guilty of the two most serious charges: racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, but convicted him of transportation to engage in prostitution.
In September, following his conviction, Combs requested Judge Arun Subramanian to consider an acquittal or new trial, citing issues related to the prosecution's use of an anti-prostitution statute. His bid was unsuccessful.
Combs' attorneys previously argued for a relatively short sentence, but were met with a demand from prosecutors for a minimum of 11 years. The judge ultimately imposed a sentence of more than four years.
Combs' appeal claims that the judge deviated from proper sentencing guidelines and improperly considered conduct related to offenses of which he had been acquitted. The filing accuses the judge of acting beyond his role, deeming the sentence draconian.
Before sentencing, Combs expressed remorse for his actions, referring to them as disgusting and shameful.
In addition to the criminal conviction, Combs is facing numerous civil lawsuits accusing him of sexual assault and exploitation, with claims that he used his influence to silence victims.
His representatives maintain his innocence regarding any accusations of sexual misconduct.
