A New York City judge, Arun Subramanian on Wednesday, 27 November, 2024 denied bail for the third time to famous American Music mogul and enterprenuer Sean “Diddy” Combs, as he awaits trial on charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution.
The denial comes amid growing concerns over witness tampering and misconduct.
US District Judge, Subramanian ruled that no conditions of release could adequately ensure public safety or prevent interference with the judicial process.
Combs had pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges and had also denied more than two dozen accusations of sexual assault brought against him in separate civil lawsuits.
Prosecutors allege that Combs ran a “criminal enterprise” involving forced labor, kidnapping, and intimidation.
Further complicating his defense, prosecutors presented evidence that Combs misused jail communications to influence witnesses and sway public opinion in his favor.
Court documents detail how Combs allegedly used an inmate messaging app, ContactMeASAP, to send hundreds of messages to individuals, including people not on his approved contact list.
Prosecutors also accused him of coercing individuals to post on social media to bolster his defense, including orchestrating a video featuring his children to garner sympathy.
Combs’s defense team has contested these claims, arguing that his continued detention hampers their ability to prepare for his May 2025 trial.
Attorneys also disputed the legality of a recent search of Combs’s jail cell, during which prosecutors seized handwritten notes they say show evidence of obstruction of justice.
Judge Subramanian ordered the destruction of the seized materials, citing attorney-client privilege, though prosecutors argued the privilege was void due to Combs’s alleged tampering efforts.
In addition to the criminal case, dozens of civil lawsuits accuse Combs of abuse, coercion, blackmail, and threats. Some allegations involve underage victims.
Attorney Lisa Bloom, who represents one of the accusers, claims that Combs has directly influenced witnesses from jail, a charge his defense denies.
Bloom also hinted that others in Combs’s circle could face charges, stating, “He didn’t do this alone. Those who conspire with predators must also face justice.”
Combs’s legal team previously offered a $50 million bail package, including house arrest and restrictions such as no female visitors, but the court rejected the proposal.
Despite selling properties in Los Angeles and Miami to support the bond, his appeals for release have repeatedly failed.
Prosecutors have left the door open for additional charges or defendants as their investigation continues.
Meanwhile, Combs remains at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, maintaining his innocence amid mounting legal challenges.
