New York City, NY – Sean “Diddy” Combs has been denied bail for the third time by a judge, who expressed concerns about potential witness tampering and deemed it too risky for him to be released before his trial in May 2025. Mr. Combs, who is currently held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, faces charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution. Despite pleading not guilty to these charges and denying over two dozen sexual assault accusations, the judge cited evidence of witness tampering, prison regulation violations, and operating a “criminal enterprise” involving forced labor and kidnapping.
The court ruled on Wednesday that there are no conditions that could reasonably assure the safety of the community if Mr. Combs were to be released on bail. Prosecutors have opposed granting him bail, citing his misconduct while in custody and alleged attempts to influence witnesses through misuse of jail communications. The defense, on the other hand, argued for his release to adequately prepare for the upcoming trial.
Recent court filings revealed that prosecutors accused Mr. Combs of coercing individuals in his circle to post on social media to influence public opinion in his favor. The prosecution also alleged that he used a messaging app to communicate with people not on his approved contacts list at the jail, including attorneys and potential witnesses. Furthermore, a civil lawsuit filed against him accuses him of contacting witnesses from prison in a possible act of witness tampering.
The investigation remains ongoing, with the possibility of additional charges or defendants being brought into the case. Lisa Bloom, an attorney representing one of Mr. Combs’s accusers, suggested that others who conspired with him may also face charges in connection to the alleged crimes. Dozens of civil lawsuits have been filed against Mr. Combs, with accusations of coercion, abuse, blackmail, and physical assault, including cases involving minors at the time of the incidents. Despite vigorously denying all allegations, Mr. Combs’s previous attempts to secure bail have been unsuccessful.
In a bid to secure his release, Mr. Combs offered a $50 million bail package that included house arrest and restrictions on female visitors, which was rejected by the court. He has also put up his Los Angeles and Miami mansions for sale as part of the bail bond negotiation. The case against Mr. Combs continues to unfold, with more developments expected as the investigation progresses.