After Sean “Diddy” Combs got hit with a sentence four times worse than what his team suggested, his lawyers are speaking out, claiming he’s being punished for crimes he didn’t commit.
In a chat with ABC News, two prominent members of Diddy’s legal squad revealed they’re eyeing an appeal, arguing that the famed rapper is receiving an unfair sentence.
Lead attorney Teny Geragos highlighted, “The jury was clear with their verdict—their decision to acquit him of sex trafficking and RICO charges tells it all. No means no.”
Diddy is looking at over four years behind bars due to a couple of alleged prostitution offenses but will have 12 months off his sentence for time already served, plus a hefty fine of $500,000.
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Holding firm, Geragos reiterated that Diddy is a “changed man” and challenged prosecutors’ claims that he’s dodging accountability for his actions.
“From every moment spent with him prepping for trial, I can genuinely say he’s turned a corner,” Geragos explained.
Diddy’s attorneys claim their appeal will focus on the idea that the judge wrongfully factored in behavior Diddy was acquitted of when it came to sentencing. They argued that by finding him not guilty of sex trafficking, the jury explicitly said he didn’t use coercion or force against anyone.
“The judge essentially served as a 13th juror,” attorney Alexandra Shapiro, who will spearhead the appeal, stated. “The sentence relied on the issues that the jury carefully dismissed. The jury cleared Mr. Combs of coercive actions.”
During the sentencing announcement, Judge Arun Subramanian pointed out Combs’ repeated offenses and noted the violence against his previous partners.
“I’m not convinced that, if released, such actions wouldn’t happen again,” the judge emphasized. He added that his ruling aims to send a serious message to other victims of abuse: “Violence against women will be met with consequences.”
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When probed by ABC News’ Aaron Katersky, Shapiro admitted that some courtroom evidence, particularly footage of Diddy’s altercation with Ventura, was troubling and influenced both the verdict and the prison time.
“That video was the toughest aspect of the case,” she admitted, although she maintained that Diddy has owned up to his aggressive past.
In an emotional response, Geragos said, “We acknowledge the domestic violence, and we take responsibility for it openly, which we’ve maintained since day one. However, that’s not what he was charged with.”
Shapiro added that a long sentence directly contradicts the potential for Diddy’s rehabilitation, especially considering his commitment to change if given another chance.
“What’s the endgame for prolonged incarceration for someone like him? He should be focusing on rehabilitation, have access to treatment, and start giving back—the kind of stuff he’s perfectly suited for. Keeping him locked up seems pointless,” she argued.
Taking into account the time he’s already done, the blow to his career, and the numerous civil lawsuits, Shapiro pointed out that Diddy has faced more than enough consequences for his actions.
“The point has been made—and then some. Diddy’s life has been irrevocably altered through all of this, and more jail time isn’t needed to convey the message against domestic violence,” she concluded.
