Sean “Diddy” Combs’ attorneys have filed a motion with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, asking that his conviction be overturned or he receive a new trial. The 62-page filing argues that the Mann Act, the law under which Combs was convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, was misapplied and does not prohibit his conduct.
According to the motion, there was insufficient evidence to prove that Combs transported anyone with the intention of engaging in prostitution, even if it includes any sex for money. The defense also argues that Combs lacked a commercial motive and did not intend for paid escorts to have sex with him, which would violate the First Amendment.
The motion states that “upholding the convictions would violate the First Amendment” because paying people to film them in sexual performances is protected First Amendment activity. At minimum, the filing argues, a new trial is required due to spillover prejudice from evidence related to other charges against Combs, which were acquitted by the jury.
This comes after Combs’ legal team also petitioned for bail while he awaits sentencing on October 3, citing the lack of commercial motive and intent in his conduct.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/US/sean-diddy-combs-attorneys-court-acquittal-new-trial/story?id=124244588