Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing accusations of breaking prison rules by contacting potential witnesses in his upcoming sex trafficking trial, prosecutors have alleged.
The music mogul is said to have made “relentless efforts” to “corruptly influence witness testimony” by using other inmates’ telephone accounts and engaging in three-way calls with individuals not on his approved contacts list.
Prosecutors revealed that a review of recorded calls also uncovered Mr Combs instructing his family to reach out to potential witnesses in his case.
The musician, known for hits like “I’ll Be Missing You” and “Mo’ Money, Mo’ Problems,” has been denied bail since his arrest, as judges have expressed concerns about the risk of witness tampering.
Despite pleading not guilty to all charges, Mr Combs’ lawyers recently made a bid for bail, proposing a $50 million package to monitor him around the clock under house arrest.
Attorney Alexandra Shapiro emphasized the challenges Mr Combs faces in preparing for trial while in custody, citing limited access to materials and disruptions at the jail.
In response, prosecutors argued against granting bail, citing the musician’s alleged attempts to influence potential jurors through social media and other means. They accused Mr Combs of coordinating with witnesses from prison to shape public opinion in his favor.
The prosecutors also highlighted Mr Combs’ unauthorized use of other inmates’ phone accounts and alleged payments for access to those accounts. They described a “relentless” scheme by the star to contact potential witnesses and victims who could provide damaging testimony against him.
Despite the defense’s criticisms of the conditions at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where Mr Combs is held, prosecutors assert that no set of conditions could eliminate the risks he poses to the trial.
They portrayed the musician as someone with an “uncanny ability” to manipulate others to do his bidding.
Mr Combs’ legal troubles stemmed from a civil lawsuit filed by his ex-partner Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura, which led to multiple allegations of sexual assault and exploitation. Federal agents raided his properties in March, leading to his arrest in September on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering.
The musician maintains his innocence, claiming that all sexual encounters at the center of the criminal case were consensual. He is also facing numerous civil lawsuits from individuals accusing him of sexual assault and exploitation.
