Attorneys representing Sean “Diddy” Combs have strongly condemned what they describe as a racially motivated prosecution, arguing that the charges against the rapper are unjust and should be dismissed.
In a recent court filing obtained by Sky News, Combs’ legal team asserted that the 55-year-old music mogul is being unfairly targeted due to his status as a “powerful Black man.” They claim that similar conduct has historically gone unpunished when committed by others, particularly white individuals, and they argue that the prosecution’s actions are rooted in bias rather than justice.
Combs, who was charged in September 2024, is facing serious allegations, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has firmly denied all wrongdoing, pleading not guilty and maintaining that all of his past sexual relationships were entirely consensual.
His legal team has now filed a motion to dismiss one of the charges—the count related to transportation under the Mann Act, a federal law originally enacted in 1910 to combat human trafficking.
In their filing, Combs’ lawyers describe the case as “unprecedented” and “disturbing,” arguing that no white person has ever been subjected to similar prosecution under the same statute. They emphasize his extraordinary career as an artist, businessman, and philanthropist, stating that his success should not make him a target for an overly aggressive legal campaign.
While acknowledging that Combs, like many other public figures, has had complex personal relationships and struggled at times with alcohol and drugs, they argue that these factors do not equate to criminal behavior.
The motion further challenges the legitimacy of the prosecution, claiming that the case has been artificially constructed based on accusations that Combs occasionally involved escorts in his relationships.
His lawyers argue that no one—particularly no white person—has ever been prosecuted under the Mann Act for similar conduct. They suggest that the federal government’s approach is highly selective and point to historical patterns of racial bias in the justice system as further evidence of inequitable treatment.
Combs’ legal team also accuses the authorities of excessive and unnecessary force in handling the case. They cite the raid on his home, which they describe as being executed with “military-level force” far beyond what was necessary for a nonviolent investigation.
This aggressive approach, they claim, further illustrates the prosecution’s alleged bias and intent to humiliate and intimidate Combs rather than pursue a fair and balanced legal process.
When approached for comment, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York declined to respond to the latest legal filing. However, prosecutors have previously dismissed claims that the case is racially motivated.
In a court hearing held in October, they responded to statements made by Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, who had told TMZ that he believed the case was designed as a “takedown of a successful Black man.” Prosecutors argued that such accusations were “baseless” and warned that they could influence public opinion and potential jurors.
Despite the ongoing legal battle, Combs is preparing to face trial, which is currently scheduled to begin in May. With his defense team aggressively pushing to have charges dismissed, and the prosecution determined to move forward, the case is shaping up to be one of the most high-profile legal battles in recent entertainment history.
As proceedings unfold, the case will likely continue to spark debates about race, justice, and the treatment of powerful Black figures in the legal system.
