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In a bombshell development first reported by TMZ, Sean “Diddy” Combs has filed a motion seeking an acquittal or a new trial following his conviction on two counts of the Mann Act. The hip-hop mogul’s legal team is arguing that the federal statute, which pertains to transporting individuals across state lines for illicit sexual purposes, has been misapplied in his case.
According to TMZ’s exclusive report, Diddy’s defense contends he is uniquely positioned as the only individual convicted under this specific statute who did not profit from prostitution, did not engage in sexual acts with an alleged prostitute, and did not arrange their interstate transportation.
During the highly publicized trial, it was notably absent from testimony that Diddy himself engaged in sex with the sex workers involved, nor with Cassie Ventura or “Jane.” Instead, witnesses reportedly indicated that Diddy was primarily observing and/or recording “freak-off” sessions. Furthermore, testimony suggested that the women themselves, not Diddy, typically handled their own travel arrangements, compensation, and hotel bookings.
Diddy’s legal team is asserting that his involvement was limited to voyeurism, a distinction they argue is crucial. They point to rulings in multiple state courts where paying to observe others engage in sexual activity is not classified as prostitution.
The motion also reportedly addresses the male sex workers involved, with Diddy claiming they were consenting participants, enjoyed the activities, and maintained friendships with Cassie and “Jane,” suggesting their involvement was not solely financially motivated. His defense further claims these “freak-offs” were protected under the First Amendment, characterizing them as “producing amateur pornography for later private viewing.”
Should his Mann Act convictions stand, Diddy’s team is requesting a new trial. In this scenario, they are pushing for the exclusion of evidence unrelated to the specific Mann Act charges, most notably the controversial video depicting the alleged assault on Cassie. This video, they argue, was only admitted due to the RICO and sex trafficking charges, of which Diddy has since been acquitted. Its inclusion in a trial focused solely on Mann Act violations, they claim, would be “unfairly prejudicial.”
This latest legal maneuver signals Diddy’s aggressive stance in challenging the verdicts, setting the stage for another intense legal battle that will undoubtedly be closely watched across the entertainment and legal landscapes.
