Sean Combs Seeks Acquittal or New Trial After Mann Act Conviction

Sean Combs has filed a motion seeking either a full acquittal or a new trial following his conviction on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution under the federal Mann Act, arguing that his case represents an unprecedented and improper application of the law. His legal team emphasizes that Combs neither profited from the activities, coerced anyone, nor engaged in sex with the sex workers, who were all consenting adults and often friends of Combs' former girlfriends. They contend that the conduct involved consensual adult sexual performances, often videotaped for private viewing, which they argue is protected under the First Amendment as amateur pornography rather than prostitution. Combs was acquitted of more serious charges, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, demonstrating to his lawyers that there was no coercion or trafficking involved. The defense also highlights that the Mann Act traditionally targets pimps and traffickers exploiting vulnerable individuals, not paying customers like Combs, and that paying for voyeurism is not legally considered prostitution. They urge the judge to overturn the verdict or at least grant a new trial due to prejudicial evidence related to the dismissed charges impacting the Mann Act conviction.