Overview
- Combs’ 84-page appeal asks the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to order his immediate release, enter a judgment of acquittal, vacate the conviction, or remand for resentencing.
- He was convicted on two Mann Act counts and sentenced in October to 50 months, a $500,000 fine, and five years of supervised release after being acquitted of racketeering and sex trafficking charges.
- The defense says Judge Arun Subramanian acted as a “thirteenth juror” by relying on allegations the jury rejected, producing what they call a record‑long sentence for comparable offenses.
- Prosecutors oppose releasing Combs pending appeal, maintaining the conduct was serious, while the appellate schedule sets the government’s brief for Feb. 20, 2026 and the defense reply for March 13, 2026.
- Combs remains incarcerated at FCI Fort Dix in New Jersey, has served roughly 16 months, and also advances a separate First Amendment theory tied to his role as an observer and producer of the sexual performances.