Lawyers for Sean “Diddy” Combs have filed a motion seeking the dismissal of a sex trafficking charge in his federal indictment, asserting that the charge is rooted in racial bias. The legal team, filing the motion on February 18 in New York federal court, argues that no white individual has ever been subjected to a comparable prosecution under the Mann Act, a 1910 law originally enacted to prevent the trafficking of women. The defence contends that Combs is being singled out due to his status as a prominent Black man, with the charge reflecting racial discrimination.

The motion further challenges the legal basis of the charge, which accuses Combs of transporting escorts for prostitution across state lines. The defense asserts that this particular application of the Mann Act is unprecedented and stems from a statute with a historically racist origin, previously used to target Black men while purportedly protecting white women. Additionally, Combs’ attorneys argue that the government’s conduct in the case has been motivated by “bias and animus,” with a goal of publicly humiliating their client.

Combs, who faces sex trafficking and racketeering charges, has been in custody since his September arrest and is scheduled to stand trial on May 5. Prosecutors allege he orchestrated a criminal enterprise driven by sexual gratification, using violence and intimidation to prevent his alleged victims from speaking out. If convicted, Combs could face a potential life sentence.