Sean “Diddy” Combs challenges prostitution-related convictions

Sean “Diddy” Combs has asked an appeals court to release him from prison and overturn his conviction for two prostitution-related crimes.

In a request for expedited appeal filed with the court, the rapper and music mogul’s lawyer argued that Diddy was wrongfully convicted and that the conduct leading to his conviction was not criminal in nature, the BBC reports, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.

Attorney Alexandra Shapiro described the 50-month prison sentence as “illegal, unconstitutional, and a miscarriage of justice.” She asked the appeals court to order a retrial if the panel chooses not to overturn the conviction in its entirety.

The request represents the latest effort by his legal team to reduce or overturn his sentence.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, which prosecuted Diddy, declined to comment on the filing submitted to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. Diddy’s lawyers had previously stated that they would appeal both the verdict and the sentence.

Diddy has been accused of using money, power, and threats of violence to coerce women into unwanted sexual encounters. During a high-profile trial this spring, the jury heard testimony from two of Diddy’s former partners, Cassie Ventura and a woman who testified under the pseudonym “Jane Doe.” They stated that Diddy abused them and forced them to take part in so-called “freak-offs” involving male escorts.

U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian ultimately sentenced Diddy to more than four years in prison.

As reported by CE Report, Diddy is also facing dozens of pending civil lawsuits accusing him of sexual assault, rape, and sexual exploitation. Representatives for Diddy have consistently denied the allegations.