Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has been denied bail for the third time by a judge in New York City.
This decision comes after two previous denials due to concerns about witness tampering, with the judge deeming it too risky to release him before his scheduled trial in May 2025.
Mr. Combs is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, facing charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution.
Despite pleading not guilty and denying over two dozen sexual assault accusations, the judge cited evidence of alleged witness tampering, prison regulation violations, and running a criminal enterprise involving forced labor and kidnapping.
US District Judge Arun Subramanian stated that the government had shown clear and convincing evidence that no conditions could assure the community’s safety if Mr. Combs was released on bail.
Prosecutors opposed granting bail, citing misconduct while in custody, such as misusing jail communications to influence witnesses and coercing others to post online in support of his defense.
Defense attorneys argued for his release to prepare for the upcoming trial, but Judge Subramanian ordered the destruction of documents seized from Mr. Combs’s jail cell, including communications with attorneys and thoughts on his legal strategy.
Prosecutors claimed the information wasn’t protected due to alleged actions of obstruction of justice and witness tampering.
Additional accusations from attorney Lisa Bloom allege that Mr. Combs contacted witnesses from prison, influencing their statements and potentially tampering with witnesses. The investigation remains ongoing, with the possibility of more charges or defendants being brought forward.
Despite numerous civil lawsuits accusing him of coercion, abuse, blackmail, and assault, Mr. Combs vehemently denies all allegations.
His legal team previously offered a $50 million bail package, including house arrest and restrictions on female visitors, but it was rejected by the court. In a bid to secure the bail bond, he put up his Los Angeles and Miami mansions for sale.
