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Sean “Diddy” Combs will remain in federal custody after a judge rejected his third bid for release on Wednesday. The hip-hop mogul, arrested in September on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, appeared in a New York federal courtroom last week as his legal team presented arguments for bail. Judge Arun Subramanian ultimately denied the motion.
Why was Diddy’s bail denied again?
Prosecutors alleged that Combs obstructed the investigation from jail, using banned communication services like ContactMeASAP to contact potential witnesses. Despite assurances from his defence team, the government reported he continued using the service right up until days before the hearing.
Prosecutors also argued that Combs had used his platform to influence the public and potentially the jury pool. They highlighted a social media campaign organised by Combs’ children around his birthday as evidence of his attempts to sway public opinion.
Last week, Assistant US Attorney Christy Slavik told Judge Subramanian that Combs’ bail proposal was effectively “paying his way out of custody.” She expressed concerns about Combs’ influence over his security team, saying that “there is no true separation between Mr. Combs and his security team,” which made it difficult for the court to enforce compliance. Slavik also pointed to Combs’ alleged history of intimidating witnesses, arguing that his release could harm the integrity of the case.
In response, defence lawyer Anthony Ricco rejected the prosecution’s portrayal of Combs, calling it an unfair depiction of him as “a lawless person who doesn’t follow instructions” or “an out-of-control individual who has to be detained.
Bail proposal
Combs’ legal team proposed an extensive bail package that included home confinement in a three-bedroom Manhattan apartment, 24/7 private security, and strict limits on visitors and communications. They argued that this arrangement would be more restrictive than his current jail conditions. The team also offered a $50 million bond, secured by his Miami Beach mansion, which they claim is worth $48 million.
Despite these offers, the judge dismissed the proposal, citing concerns that Combs could not be trusted to follow the rules. “Given the nature of the allegations in this case and the information provided by the government, the Court doubts the sufficiency of any conditions that place trust in Combs and individuals in his employ—like a private security detail—to follow those conditions,” Subramanian said.
Prosecutors against Diddy’s release
Federal prosecutors presented a compelling case against Combs’ release, raising concerns that he poses a danger to both the community and witnesses. In his ruling, Judge Arun Subramanian said, “The government has shown by clear and convincing evidence that no condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure the safety of the community.”
Prosecutors argue that the rapper has a long history of violent behaviour and obstruction. They pointed to his attempts to influence witnesses from behind bars, including allegations that he defied jailhouse rules, used third-party phone services to contact witnesses, and even organised a social media campaign to influence potential jurors.
Prosecutors have accused him of repeatedly attempting to interfere with the investigation, even while in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Centre (MDC) in Brooklyn.
The court has heard allegations of former staff members claiming Combs threatened to kill them, threw objects at them, and physically assaulted them. Prosecutors also referenced a disturbing video from 2016 showing Combs in a violent confrontation with his ex-girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura, in a hotel hallway.
Diddy has been held in a federal jail in Brooklyn for over two months since his arrest in September. His trial is set to begin on May 5, 2024. The 55-year-old rapper has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
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