Sean Diddy Combs appeals Mann Act conviction and 50-month sentence

Sean Diddy Combs has filed a formal notice of appeal challenging his conviction and 50 month prison sentence for transporting individuals for the purpose of prostitution, his lawyers said on Monday. The short, two page filing in the U.S. District Court in Manhattan signals that Combs intends to press arguments contesting the jury verdict and the sentence imposed by Judge Arun Subramanian on October 3.

Combs, 55, was convicted on two counts under the Mann Act after an eight week trial this summer and was acquitted of more serious racketeering and sex trafficking charges. Prosecutors had accused him of organizing cross country events in which women were coerced into sex with male escorts. Defense lawyers have said the evidence showed consensual conduct and contend the Mann Act does not apply to his actions. More detailed appellate briefs are expected in the coming weeks as the case moves toward the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

At sentencing, Judge Subramanian described Combs's conduct in stronger terms and said significant prison time was necessary to hold abusers accountable. Defense attorneys say the judge improperly treated acquitted conduct as part of...