
Diddy Claims Racial Bias in Federal Charges, Challenges Mann Act
Sean "Diddy" Combs' legal team has filed a motion to dismiss one of the federal charges against him, claiming racial bias and misuse of an outdated law.

Diddy during federal indictment hearing
Combs faces three federal charges: racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution. The last charge falls under The Mann Act, which his defense team argues is outdated and racially motivated.

Ashley Parham in red jacket
The Mann Act, introduced in 1910 as the White-Slave Traffic Act, was originally meant to prevent human trafficking. However, it has a controversial history of being disproportionately used against Black men. Diddy's lawyers argue that no white defendant has faced similar prosecution under this statute in modern times.

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The defense team's motion emphasizes the unprecedented nature of the case, stating that "no White person has ever been the target of a remotely similar prosecution." They argue that Combs is being targeted due to his status as a powerful Black figure.
Prosecutors have rejected these claims of racial bias, maintaining that the case focuses on criminal conduct rather than race. They cite the law's continued validity, referencing its recent use in cases like Ghislaine Maxwell's 2021 trial.

Diddy wearing white turtleneck
The court's decision on whether to drop the charge could set a significant precedent for future Mann Act cases. The outcome remains pending as the legal proceedings continue to unfold.
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