Why Are Diddy’s Lawyers Calling Him an ‘Amateur Pornographer’?
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ lawyers have been working overtime to spring the music mogul from prison. Combs is currently awaiting sentencing on two lesser charges after being acquitted on racketeering and sex trafficking charges in July. Now, his legal team has suggested the less serious charges shouldn’t stand either. His team has been carefully trying to position Diddy as nothing more than an amateur pornographer, and his video as personal pornography. There is a very good, legal reason for that position.
What was Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs convicted of?
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs was arrested in 2024 after a raid on his properties in Los Angeles and Miami. The music mogul was charged with sex trafficking and racketeering, but was ultimately acquitted of both charges. That doesn’t mean he walked away free and clear. He was found guilty on two counts of violating the Mann Act. He is currently awaiting sentencing, although his legal team has argued the legitimacy of the conviction.
The Mann Act is a federal law that makes it a crime to transport an individual across state lines or across country borders for the purpose of prostitution or illegal sexual activities. It was first enacted into law in 1910 and has been revised over the years. While the Mann Act is a legitimate charge, it isn’t without critics. According to the Criminal Defense Firm, the broad language of the act allows for convictions where no real crimes have taken place, like in the case of consensual sexual activities. That is what Diddy’s lawyers are now arguing occurred during his freak-offs and other choreographed sexual escapades.
Why would his lawyers argue that he filmed amateur pornography?
After being convicted on two counts of violating the Mann Act, Diddy’s attorneys filed a motion to overturn the conviction. The team characterizes Diddy’s “Freak-offs” and “Wild King Nights” as “amateur pornography.” Marc Agnifilo, Diddy’s lead attorney, has argued that the sex acts that were recorded were consensual and non-commercial. Therefore, he claims, they are protected under the First Amendment.
Agnifilo contends that if Diddy didn’t make any money on the recordings, and they are deemed amateur pornography, then he technically didn’t violate the Mann Act. Agnifilo’s argument hinges on the notion that Diddy paid male escorts for their “time” rather than the sex acts that occurred in the videos. That feels like a bit of a stretch. Still, he insists the existence of the videos does not prove a crime was commited.
Could he walk free sooner rather than later?
When Diddy first walked into the federal courthouse in New York City, he was facing up to life behind bars. The heavy sentence weighed on the former music mogul, as evidenced by his aged appearance. He has avoided those hefty prison terms, but he could still spend a few years behind bars. While his convictions carry a sentence of up to 20 years, he likely won’t serve anywhere near that amount of time.
If his legal team has anything to say about it, he’ll walk free or, at the very least, serve out whatever sentence that is handed down inside his home. Diddy’s legal team has made it clear that they are seeking home confinement as an option. Agnifilo spoke to TMZ about the proposition, claiming he will request counseling for substance abuse and anger issues, which he insists are the root problems for the rapper. Prosecutors are reportedly seeking a sentence of between three and five years. The music producer’s sentencing is scheduled for October.
