Photo: Getty Images
Sean "Diddy" Combs' legal team is looking to get the mogul's convictions overturned, and if that doesn't work, then they want another trial only for the Mann Act charges.
According to a report TMZ published on Wednesday night, July 30, Combs' attorneys filed a new motion asking Judge Arun Subramanian to acquit their client. They argue that Combs is the only person convicted of violating the Mann Act (which forbids transporting people across state lines for sex) who didn't profit from the scheme, make the arrangements, or have sex with the prostitutes. They claim Combs' only involvement was recording the sexual acts for his private entertainment.
Combs' legal team is convinced the Bad Boy Records founder didn't do anything under the Mann Act. They point to testimony from the witnesses, including the sex workers in question, as well as his ex-girlfriends, Casandra "Cassie" Ventura and "Jane." None of them ever indicated that Combs participated in sexual activity with the hired prostitutes. They also point out that the women involved were the ones who usually handled everything for the freak-off sessions, from the travel to their compensation.
In addition, they asserted that the male prostitutes involved consented to everything and "enjoyed the activities." They also claim the sex workers maintained friendships with the women and didn't only take part in the freak-offs for money. Combs' involvement only constitutes voyeurism at best. The artist's lawyers argue, "multiple state courts have held that paying for voyeurism, to watch other people have sex, is not prostitution." They also said Combs' recordings are protected under the First Amendment since they were only making "amateur pornography."
If the judge doesn't acquit, Combs' legal team will request a new trial for only the Mann Act charges. They also want the 2016 video of Combs beating Cassie to be excluded because they believe it won't be relevant and would be "unfairly prejudicial." Their new motion comes several months before Combs' sentencing hearing. It's possible that Combs could get only three to four years in prison based on the prosecution and defense's recommendations. However, President Donald Trump is also considering giving Combs a full pardon before he's sentenced.