Overview
- An 84-page brief asks the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to order Sean Combs’ immediate release, enter a judgment of acquittal, or vacate the case for resentencing.
- A jury convicted Combs on two Mann Act counts but acquitted him of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, after which Judge Arun Subramanian imposed a 50-month sentence citing testimony and video evidence.
- Combs’ lawyers call the term excessive versus typical outcomes for similar offenses, note he has served roughly 16 months, and list his projected Bureau of Prisons release in 2028 from FCI Fort Dix.
- The appeal also advances a separate First Amendment theory contending his role as an observer and producer of filmed sexual encounters is protected speech.
- The case is on an expedited track with the government’s brief due Feb. 20, 2026, Combs’ reply due Mar. 13, and oral argument yet to be scheduled.