Executive Summary
- Oral arguments for Sean Combs’ appeal are set for April 9, 2026, in Manhattan.
- Combs is appealing his Mann Act conviction and 50-month federal prison sentence.
- Defense lawyers argue the sentencing judge improperly considered acquitted conduct.
- Prosecutors maintain the trial court acted within its discretion and followed guidelines.
- Combs remains in custody at FCI Fort Dix while the appeal proceeds.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has scheduled oral arguments for April 9, 2026, to hear the appeal of Sean “Diddy” Combs regarding his federal conviction and sentence under the Mann Act.
According to a court notice filed on February 19, the hearing is set for 10 a.m. at 40 Foley Square in lower Manhattan. The appellate panel has allotted 10 minutes for each side to present their case. Combs is currently challenging the July 2025 verdict and the subsequent 50-month prison sentence imposed by U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian.
Court records indicate that while Combs was acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges, he was convicted on two counts of transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution. He is currently serving his sentence at FCI Fort Dix in New Jersey. In their appellate brief, federal prosecutors urged the Second Circuit to uphold the conviction, arguing that the trial court correctly calculated sentencing guidelines and properly considered evidence of how Combs facilitated the transport of commercial sex workers.
Defense attorneys for Combs contend that the Mann Act convictions were improperly applied and argue that the sentencing judge effectively acted as a “13th juror” by factoring in conduct for which the jury had acquitted the defendant. The defense has previously described the application of the law as outdated and inappropriate for the facts of the case.
Appellate Review Parameters
This hearing represents a pivotal stage in the post-conviction process, where the appellate court will review whether legal errors occurred during the trial or sentencing phases rather than re-litigating the facts. The Second Circuit’s decision will likely address the controversial practice of using “acquitted conduct”—actions a defendant was cleared of by a jury—to enhance federal sentencing. Following oral arguments, the judges will issue a written decision that could affirm the lower court’s ruling, overturn the conviction, or remand the case for resentencing.
It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
