Diddy gains support from law professors in appeal over acquitted conduct

Sean “Diddy” Combs has received backing from prominent law professors in his ongoing appeal, challenging the use of acquitted conduct in his federal sentencing.

Professors Douglas A. Berman, John Blume, and retired judge John Gleeson filed a brief urging the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit to vacate Diddy’s sentence and remand for resentencing.

The professors argue that the sentencing judge improperly relied on claims that a jury had previously rejected. While jurors cleared Diddy of the most serious allegations, the court used the dismissed claims to impose a longer sentence. The brief contends this approach undermines the jury’s role and the principle that punishment should reflect the crimes for which a defendant is convicted.

“Not guilty means not guilty,” the filing cited from the U.S. Sentencing Commission’s 2024 rule change, which limits reliance on acquitted conduct. The professors emphasized that ignoring jury verdicts can weaken public trust in the justice system and discourage jury participation, especially in high-profile cases like Diddy’s.

The legal team asserts that the appeal does not seek to overturn Diddy’s conviction entirely but requests a new sentencing hearing without consideration of acquitted claims. They stress that the case could set an important precedent on whether federal sentencing respects jury verdicts and constitutional protections.

Diddy’s appeal remains pending, and the Second Circuit has not yet indicated a ruling date. Legal experts note that the outcome could influence how acquitted conduct is treated in future high-profile federal cases.