Diddy seeks to dismiss sex trafficking charge because of his race

• Sean “Diddy” Combs is seeking to dismiss a sex trafficking charge, arguing that the prosecution is racially motivated. His legal team claims no white person has faced similar prosecution under the Mann Act.
• The Mann Act, passed in 1910, was originally intended to prevent the transportation of women for prostitution but has a history of being misused to target Black men, including boxer Jack Johnson in 1913.
• While Combs admits to hiring male escorts from a legal service, his lawyers argue that this is common today and should not be criminalized. The court has not yet ruled on the motion to dismiss.

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Sean “Diddy” Combs is pushing to dismiss a sex trafficking charge against him. He argues the case is racially motivated, citing a law from 1910.

In a court filing Tuesday, Feb. 18, and according to multiple media outlets, Combs’ legal team sought to throw out count three of the charges. This count alleges Combs transported individuals across state lines for prostitution in violation of the Mann Act.

The Mann Act, also known as the White Slave Traffic Act, was passed in 1910. It prohibits the transportation of women for prostitution and sex trafficking. However, the law has a history of being used to target Black men, especially for relationships with white women.

Combs’ attorneys argue that prosecuting him under the Mann Act is racially biased. They claim, “No white person has ever been the target of a remotely similar prosecution.”

Mann Act history and notable cases

The Mann Act has a controversial past. One of the most notable cases involved boxing champion Jack Johnson, who was convicted in 1913 for traveling with his white girlfriend. Many believe the case was also racially motivated. In 2018, President Donald Trump posthumously pardoned Johnson.

However, Combs’ claim that no white person has faced similar prosecution is disputed. In 2021, Ghislaine Maxwell was convicted under the Mann Act for trafficking minors for Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual abuse.

Combs’ defense and next steps

While Combs does not deny hiring male escorts from a legal escort service, his lawyers argue that such arrangements are common and should not be criminalized. They claim he is being “singled out” because he is a “powerful Black man.”

Combs’ legal team is asking the court to dismiss the charge, citing selective prosecution. The case is still pending, and no decision has been made yet.