Diddy's Sentence Expedited: Chance of Early Release in 2026

As of November 4, 2025, rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs has been granted a significant legal victory in his ongoing legal saga. Just days after being transferred to a low-security facility in New Jersey, Combs' defense team has successfully secured an expedited appeal process, potentially paving the way for an early release from his 50-month sentence.

In a ruling issued on November 4, 2025, U.S. Circuit Court Judge Beth Robinson granted Combs' lawyers' request to fast-track the appeal. This means that Combs' opening brief and appendix are now due by December 23, 2025, with the government's response due by February 20, 2026, and Combs' reply brief due by March 13, 2026. Oral arguments are scheduled for as early as April 2026, subject to the approval of the presiding judge.

This development marks a significant shift in Combs' legal fortunes, as the justice system often moves at a glacial pace. With the expedited timeline, Combs now stands a better chance of having his 50-month sentence reduced or even deemed "moot," as his lawyers had previously stated. Additionally, Combs' transfer to the low-security Fort Dix FCI in New Jersey could also work in his favor, as he may be able to shave off a few months from his sentence through good behavior and successful completion of rehabilitation programs.

The news comes just over a year after Combs was found guilty by a New York City jury on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, with acquittals on the more serious sex trafficking and racketeering charges. This verdict was a significant setback for the prosecutors, who had initially pursued the more severe charges.