Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is appealing his federal sex crime conviction and 50-month prison sentence. His legal team filed a notice of appeal with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on October 20.
The 55-year-old rapper and producer was convicted in July of two counts of traffic prostitution. A 12-person jury acquitted him of more serious charges including racketeering and sex trafficking.
Combs was sentenced on October 3 after a two-month trial. He will serve about four years in federal prison. The music executive has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his arrest in September 2024.
“I accept full responsibility for my past mistakes,” Combs wrote in a letter to Judge Arun Subramanian before sentencing. During his court appearance, he apologized to his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura and another accuser named “Jane.”
“I want to personally apologize to Cassie Ventura again for any harm I have caused her, emotionally or physically,” Combs said. “My actions were disgusting, disgraceful, and disgusting.”
The trial gathered testimony from more than 30 witnesses over seven weeks. Prosecutors allege Combs led a criminal enterprise involving sex trafficking, kidnapping, drug crimes and forced labor. Government agents, ex-girlfriends, sex workers and hotel employees testified in Manhattan.
Ventura provided emotional testimony about the alleged abuse during their relationship. Rapper Kid Cudi, who once dated Ventura, claimed Combs broke into his home.
Combs has faced legal trouble throughout his career. In 1996, he was convicted of criminal mischief for allegedly threatening a photographer with a gun. The Bad Boy Records founder has built an empire spanning music, fashion and spirits.
His legal team will submit detailed appeal arguments at a later date. The appeals process can take months or years to resolve. Combs pleaded not guilty to all criminal charges before the trial began.
The case is one of the most high-profile celebrity criminal trials in recent years. Federal prosecutors painted a picture of systemic abuse and exploitation in Combs’ business operations.
