Diddy Denied Bail for Third Time in Ongoing Sex-Trafficking Case
Sean “Diddy” Combs, the renowned music mogul and entrepreneur, faced another setback on Wednesday when a New York City judge denied him bail for the third time as he awaits trial on serious criminal charges. These charges include racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution. The denial of bail follows increasing concerns regarding potential witness tampering and misconduct.
Judge Arun Subramanian of the U.S. District Court ruled that no conditions of release could guarantee public safety or prevent interference with the judicial process. This ruling marks another chapter in a legal battle that has drawn significant attention, particularly regarding allegations of misconduct. Combs, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges, also faces numerous accusations of sexual assault in separate civil lawsuits.
Prosecutors allege that Combs ran a criminal enterprise involved in forced labor, kidnapping, and intimidation. Evidence has been presented suggesting Combs misused jail communications to influence witnesses and manipulate public opinion in his favor. According to court documents, Combs used an inmate messaging app called ContactMeASAP to send hundreds of messages to individuals, some of whom were not on his approved contact list. Prosecutors claim that Combs also orchestrated social media posts, including a video involving his children, to garner public sympathy.
Combs’s defense team has denied these accusations, arguing that his continued detention is hampering their ability to prepare for his trial, which is scheduled for May 2025. They also disputed the legality of a recent search of his jail cell, where prosecutors seized handwritten notes they claim show evidence of obstruction of justice. While Judge Subramanian ruled that the seized materials should be destroyed due to attorney-client privilege, prosecutors maintained that this privilege was void due to Combs’s alleged efforts to tamper with witnesses.
In addition to the criminal case, Combs is facing dozens of civil lawsuits that accuse him of abuse, coercion, blackmail, and threats, with some allegations involving underage victims. One of the accusers, represented by attorney Lisa Bloom, claims Combs directly influenced witnesses from jail. Bloom has also suggested that others in Combs’s circle may face charges, stating, “He didn’t do this alone. Those who conspire with predators must also face justice.”
Combs’s legal team had previously offered a $50 million bail package, including house arrest and restrictions such as no female visitors, but the court rejected this proposal. Despite selling properties in Los Angeles and Miami to help secure the bond, his attempts to be released have repeatedly failed.
As the investigation continues, prosecutors have left open the possibility of additional charges or defendants. For now, Combs remains incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, maintaining his innocence amid mounting legal challenges.
