New York – Sean “Diddy” Combs was denied bail on Wednesday by a judge in New York as he awaits a May trial on sex trafficking charges. The judge cited evidence showing Combs to be a “serious risk” of witness tampering and proof that he tried to conceal prohibited communications with third parties while in custody.
U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian issued a five-page order following a bail hearing where lawyers for the hip-hop mogul argued for a $50 million bail package to prevent him from fleeing and intimidating potential trial witnesses. Two previous judges had also agreed with prosecutors that Combs posed a danger to the community if released.
Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges of coercing and abusing women over several years with the help of associates and employees. The indictment alleges that he used blackmail, violence, kidnapping, arson, and beatings to silence victims.
The judge’s decision was made after a federal appeals court judge denied Combs’ immediate release, pending a bail request review by a three-judge panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan. Subramanian, newly appointed to the case, reconsidered all bail arguments and supporting evidence before issuing his decision.
Prosecutors argue that no bail conditions can safeguard the public from Combs, alleging that even in custody, he has tried to influence potential jurors through social media campaigns and leaked materials related to his case. They also claim he has contacted witnesses through third parties.
Combs’ defense maintains that any sexual encounters described in the indictment were consensual and adult in nature. They argue that new evidence refutes allegations that Combs used his influence to coerce female victims into sexual performances with male sex workers known as “Freak Offs.”
Subramanian noted that evidence shows Combs is a “serious risk of witness tampering,” pointing to instances where he communicated with a grand jury witness and deleted text messages with them. The judge also highlighted instances where Combs violated prison regulations and attempted to conceal communications with those not on his approved contact list.
Ultimately, the judge determined that even the strictest home confinement measures would not suffice given the nature of the allegations and the government’s information. He expressed doubts about trusting Combs and those in his employ to adhere to bail conditions.