NEW YORK, USA – Music mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has been denied bail for a third time, following a ruling on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, by federal judge Arun Subramanian.
The court determined that Combs presents a “serious risk of witness tampering,” citing evidence of his attempts to communicate with a grand jury witness via calls and text messages.
“The Court finds that the government has shown by clear and convincing evidence that no condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure the safety of the community,” Subramanian stated in his ruling.
The judge highlighted “compelling evidence of Combs’s propensity for violence” and referenced the cache of weapons recovered from his properties, as well as allegations of intimidation and violence connected to his enterprise.
Prosecutors Allege Pattern of Witness Intimidation
Combs, the founder of Bad Boy Records, has been in custody since his September indictment on federal sex trafficking, racketeering, and prostitution-related charges.
Prosecutors have argued that Combs poses a significant threat to witnesses, alleging he has led a “relentless campaign” to intimidate or blackmail victims and witnesses from behind bars.
“The defendant’s goal is to blackmail victims and witnesses either into silence or providing testimony helpful to his defence,” prosecutors wrote in a court filing.
They further alleged that Combs’ actions were part of a broader effort to undermine the case against him.
Defence Offers Strict Bail Package
In an attempt to secure Combs’ release, his defence team proposed a $50 million bail package with stringent conditions, including 24/7 monitoring, restrictions on communication, and a ban on cell phone use.
They also suggested Combs reside in a heavily monitored apartment on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, equipped with cameras and supervised security personnel.
Defence attorneys have criticised the government’s case, describing it as “thin” and lacking in substantive evidence.
They also pointed to the conditions at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where Combs is currently held, as “unfit” for pre-trial detention.
Allegations of Gruesome Acts
The charges against Combs stem from what prosecutors describe as “freak offs,” allegedly elaborate sex performances involving male sex workers and coerced female participants.
The indictment accuses him of orchestrating a criminal enterprise involving sex trafficking, coercion, and transportation for illicit purposes.
Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
With Combs’ trial set for May 2025, prosecutors have stressed the importance of keeping him in custody to safeguard witnesses and maintain the integrity of the judicial process.
“Allowing the defendant to return to his life of luxury while awaiting trial would undermine public confidence in the justice system,” prosecutors argued.
The case continues to draw public attention, as Combs’ legal team prepares to challenge the allegations.
For now, the once-powerful figure in the music industry remains behind bars, with no clear path to release before his trial.
