Diddy gains support from law professors in his appeal | The Express Tribune

His appeal gains backing from law professors challenging use of acquitted claims in federal sentencing

Sean “Diddy” Combs has received backing from prominent law professors in his ongoing appeal, challenging the use of acquitted conduct in his federal sentencing.

Professors Douglas A. Berman, John Blume, and retired judge John Gleeson filed a brief urging the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit to vacate Diddy’s sentence and remand for resentencing.

The professors argue that the sentencing judge improperly relied on claims that a jury had previously rejected. While jurors cleared Diddy of the most serious allegations, the court used the dismissed claims to impose a longer sentence. The brief contends this approach undermines the jury’s role and the principle that punishment should reflect the crimes for which a defendant is convicted.

“Not guilty means not guilty,” the filing cited from the U.S. Sentencing Commission’s 2024 rule change, which limits reliance on acquitted conduct. The professors emphasized that ignoring jury verdicts can weaken public trust in the justice system and discourage jury participation, especially in high-profile cases like Diddy’s.

The legal team asserts that the appeal does not seek to overturn Diddy’s conviction entirely but requests a new sentencing hearing without consideration of acquitted claims. They stress that the case could set an important precedent on whether federal sentencing respects jury verdicts and constitutional protections.

Diddy’s appeal remains pending, and the Second Circuit has not yet indicated a ruling date. Legal experts note that the outcome could influence how acquitted conduct is treated in future high-profile federal cases.

One of the world’s wealthiest musical artists, Combs topped Forbes annual hip-hop rich list in 2014 and 2017. His accolades include three Grammy Awards, three BET Awards and two MTV Video Music Awards. He has worked as a producer for other media, including the reality television series Making the Band, and he starred in the films Made, Monster’s Ball (both 2001) and Get Him to the Greek (2010). Combs launched the clothing retailer Sean John in 1998, for which he won Menswear Designer of the Year from the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2004, having previously been nominated in 2000. He served as brand ambassador for the liquor brand Cîroc from 2007 to 2023, and co-founded the digital television network Revolt in 2013. In 2008, Combs became the first male rapper to get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In late 2023, Combs settled a high-profile sexual assault and abuse lawsuit filed by his former partner Cassie Ventura. Numerous lawsuits regarding sexual misconduct were filed in the following months, with several claimants alleging sexual assault and abuse by Combs between 1991 and 2009. In March 2024, several of Combs’s properties were raided by the Department of Homeland Security, and that September he was charged with federal sex trafficking, transportation to engage in prostitution, and racketeering. He pled not guilty and was denied bail three times. His trial began on May 5, 2025; on July 2, he was found guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution, but not guilty on racketeering and sex trafficking charges. As of October 2025, he is incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institution, Fort Dix. On October 3, 2025, Combs was sentenced to 50 months in prison with credit for 12 months time served.