As he awaits trial on accusations including sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation for prostitution, music mogul and entrepreneur Sean “Diddy” Combs was refused bail for the third time on Wednesday by a court in New York City.
The denial coincides with mounting worries about misconduct and witness tampering.
According to the ruling of US District Judge Arun Subramanian, no terms of release could sufficiently guarantee public safety or avoid interfering with the legal system.
Combs had entered a not guilty plea to the criminal charges and had refuted over two dozen sexual assault allegations made against him in other civil cases.
Combs was accused by the prosecution of operating a “criminal enterprise” that included intimidation, forced labor, and kidnapping.
Prosecutors offered evidence that Combs abused jail contacts to affect public opinion and influence witnesses, which further complicated his case.
According to court records, Combs sent hundreds of messages to others, including those who weren’t on his permitted contact list, using the inmate messaging app ContactMeASAP.
He was also charged by the prosecution of pressuring people to make social media posts in support of his defense, including planning a film that included his kids to elicit pity.
These allegations have been denied by Combs’s defense team, who contends that his ongoing incarceration makes it more difficult for them to get ready for his trial in May 2025.
A recent search of Combs’s jail cell, in which prosecutors found handwritten notes they claim demonstrate evidence of obstruction of justice, was also contested by lawyers as illegal.
Using attorney-client privilege, Judge Subramanian ordered the confiscated materials to be destroyed; however, prosecutors contended that the privilege was nullified because of Combs’s purported tampering attempts.
Combs faces numerous civil claims alleging abuse, coercion, blackmail, and threats in addition to the criminal case. There have been several claims involving minors.
One of the accusers’ lawyers, Lisa Bloom, asserts that Combs has actively influenced inmate witnesses, a claim his defense refutes.
“He didn’t do this alone,” Bloom added, implying that other members of Combs’s entourage might also be charged. Justice must also be served for those who collude with predators.
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The judge turned down Combs’s legal team’s prior $50 million bond offering, which included house arrest and limitations including no female visitors.
He has sold Miami and Los Angeles properties to raise the cash, but his parole requests have been denied time and time again.
As their investigation goes on, prosecutors have left the possibility of more charges or defendants open.
Amid growing legal challenges, Combs continues to assert his innocence while incarcerated at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center.
