P Diddy, who is currently in a federal prison in New Jersey, will not attend hearings before a three-judge panel of the federal appeals court. He is challenging his conviction and prison sentence of more than four years.
His lawyers argue that the verdict against Combs should be overturned or that he should at least be released and resentenced to a lighter penalty. The prosecution disputes these claims.
In written requests, his lawyers reiterated arguments they previously made before the trial court, including that Diddy's recordings of sexual acts between his girlfriends and male sex workers constitute amateur pornography protected by the First Amendment.
The lawyers argue that the term "prostitution" should be narrowly interpreted to exclude what they describe as voyeuristic and expressive activity.
The defense also contends that the sentence is too harsh, stating that the judge erred in sentencing by partially relying on the conclusion that the crimes involved fraud and coercion and that the musician was a leader or organizer of criminal activities.
P Diddy was acquitted of charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, which carried the possibility of life imprisonment.
He was found guilty under federal law, which prohibits transporting individuals across state lines for any sexual criminal act. Federal prosecutors stated in court filings that Diddy's recordings do not make this case a matter of free speech.
According to their arguments, if Combs were correct in claiming that "creative," "elaborate," and "highly staged" sexual acts mean they are protected by the First Amendment, then "brothels offering elaborate and staged scenes for individuals paying to have sex with women" could also seek First Amendment protection.
Otherwise, the First Amendment to the United States Constitution is one of the most important legal foundations of American democracy. It protects five fundamental freedoms that allow citizens to express opinions and participate in social life without fear of government interference.
Prosecutors also argue that the sentence was properly imposed.
Otherwise, his trial last year exposed the dark private life of one of the most influential figures in the music industry. The case brought shocking testimonies about violence, drugs, and sexual performances that, according to witness statements, he referred to as "freak-offs" or "hotel nights."
He did not testify in his own defense. His team acknowledged that he can be violent but argued that prosecutors are trying to forcibly turn his private life into a federal crime.
P Diddy (56) has been behind bars since September 2024. According to data from the Federal Bureau of Prisons, his release is scheduled for April 2028.