Sean “Diddy” Combs has been denied a $50 million bail package and will remain in prison as he awaits trial. U.S District Judge Arun Subramanian determined that no conditions of release can guarantee the safety of the community due to Combs’ alleged history of violence, including the use of firearms, kidnapping, and arson. The judge also highlighted evidence of witness tampering by Combs, leading to the denial of bail.
The court’s decision came after a bail hearing and emphasized the government’s presentation of direct evidence of Combs’ violent behavior. This includes a 2016 video showing Combs assaulting his then-girlfriend and text messages indicating her severe injuries. Combs maintains that the evidence does not support a charge of sex trafficking, claiming it was a toxic relationship.
Despite Combs’ arguments, the court expressed concerns over potential witness tampering, citing his communications with the victim and attempts to delete messages to conceal tampering. Additionally, evidence showed that Combs violated prison regulations to obscure his communications with third parties, further raising concerns about his release on bail.
Combs had previously been denied bail twice by other judges due to concerns about witness tampering. Prosecutors allege that he attempted to contact witnesses from prison, using inmates’ phone lines and unauthorized messaging apps. Combs’ defense team argued that prosecutors unlawfully seized attorney-client privileged material from his jail cell.
Federal prosecutors have accused Combs of leading a criminal enterprise involving the assault and trafficking of women since 2008. The indictment references events known as “Freak Offs,” where sex workers were allegedly coerced into engaging in prolonged sex acts. Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and a trial date has been set for May 5, 2025.
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