Sean “Diddy” Combs Denied Bail for Third Time Amid Serious Charges
Sean "Diddy" Combs has been denied bail for the third time by a New York City judge, extending his detention as he awaits trial on serious charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution. The trial is scheduled for May 2025.
Two previous bail requests were also denied due to concerns about potential witness tampering. Prosecutors have argued that releasing Mr. Combs before trial poses a significant risk to the integrity of the case and public safety.
Mr. Combs, who is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, has pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges and denies over two dozen allegations of sexual assault brought against him in a series of civil lawsuits.
Evidence of Witness Tampering and Misconduct
US District Judge Arun Subramanian cited strong evidence that Mr. Combs had engaged in witness tampering, violated prison rules, and operated what prosecutors described as a "criminal enterprise" involving forced labor and kidnapping.
“The Court finds that the government has shown by clear and convincing evidence that no condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure the safety of the community,” Judge Subramanian wrote in his ruling.
Prosecutors have accused Mr. Combs of misusing jail communication systems to influence witnesses, as well as orchestrating social media campaigns to sway public opinion in his favor. Allegedly, Mr. Combs used an app called ContactMeASAP, designed for federal inmates, to send hundreds of messages to individuals, including some not approved on his jail contact list.
Defense attorneys have countered that Mr. Combs should be released to adequately prepare for his trial, emphasizing that the denial of bail hinders his ability to mount a robust defense.
Dispute Over Attorney-Client Privilege
Earlier this month, the court ordered prosecutors to destroy nearly 20 pages of materials seized during a search of Mr. Combs’s jail cell. The documents reportedly included handwritten notes to his attorneys and legal strategy plans, which his legal team argued were protected under attorney-client privilege.
Prosecutors, however, contended that Mr. Combs’s alleged actions—including efforts to influence witnesses—may void such protections and could constitute obstruction of justice.
Allegations of Witness Intimidation
Lisa Bloom, an attorney representing Dawn Richards, one of Mr. Combs’s accusers, claimed that he contacted witnesses from prison, influencing them to discredit allegations against him. In an interview with BBC Newsnight, Bloom said one individual who labeled her client a liar had over 100 points of contact with Mr. Combs from jail, suggesting potential tampering.
Bloom also suggested that other individuals could face charges as the investigation continues. “He didn’t do this by himself,” she said. “It’s important that not only predators but also those who conspire with them are held accountable.”
Civil Lawsuits and Additional Allegations
In addition to the criminal charges, Mr. Combs faces dozens of civil lawsuits alleging coercion, abuse, blackmail, and violence against both men and women. Some allegations involve underage victims, adding to the gravity of the accusations.
Mr. Combs has repeatedly denied all allegations, describing them as baseless.
Failed Bail Proposal
Mr. Combs’s legal team previously proposed a $50 million bail package, which included house arrest and restrictions on female visitors. The package was rejected by the court. In an effort to raise funds for bail, Mr. Combs has reportedly put his Los Angeles and Miami mansions up for sale.
As investigations continue, prosecutors have indicated that additional charges or defendants could be brought into the case. Mr. Combs remains detained, with his legal battles far from over.
