Diddy challenges Mann Act conviction, says prostitution definition outdated

Hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is seeking to overturn his recent Mann Act conviction, arguing that the century-old legal definition of prostitution no longer applies to his conduct.

In June, the 55-year-old was convicted in New York on two counts under the Mann Act, which prohibits transporting individuals across state lines for “immoral purposes.” The charges stemmed from allegations that Diddy arranged for adult men to travel across state lines to have consensual sex with his girlfriends. He was acquitted of more serious racketeering and sex trafficking charges but faces sentencing on October 3, 2025.

In a motion filed on September 3, Diddy’s attorneys argued that the prosecution failed to prove its case and that the Mann Act was misapplied. Defense lawyer Alexandra Shapiro wrote that the charges “should never have been brought” and would not have moved forward without the failed racketeering and trafficking allegations.

The defense contends that the term “prostitution” as used in the 1910 statute once included any sexual activity outside of marriage, but modern legal definitions have narrowed its scope. They argue that applying the outdated definition violates due process and that no similar cases have been pursued under the law.

Diddy’s lawyers also claim prosecutors failed to show that sex was the intended purpose of the travel and that the jury was improperly influenced by evidence from charges on which he was acquitted.

The court will review the motion for acquittal or a new trial in the coming weeks. If the conviction stands, Diddy could face at least five years in prison.