Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is denied bail for a third time

Sean “Diddy” Combs has once again been denied bail as he awaits trial on serious charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. Judge Arun Subramanian rejected Combs’ latest bid for release during a court hearing on Wednesday, continuing his detention as the case progresses. This is the third time Combs has sought bail, but his motions have been denied each time.

The decision came after a detailed two-hour hearing on Friday, where the judge examined the facts and discussed potential options. Despite questioning the allegations that Combs was obstructing the ongoing investigation, the judge ultimately sided with the prosecution. The judge’s ruling, detailed in a five-page order, highlighted the government’s argument that Combs posed a significant threat to the safety of the community, making bail inappropriate.

Federal prosecutors have raised serious concerns about Combs’ behavior even while in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center. They claimed that Combs violated jail protocols and engaged in obstructive activities, including tampering with witnesses. Prosecutors specifically accused him of continuing to communicate with witnesses despite being under strict orders to cease such contact. They argued that Combs used multiple methods, such as three-way calling, to circumvent law enforcement monitoring. The government also pointed to his use of a messaging service, ContactMeASAP, which he allegedly continued using even after promising to stop. According to the prosecution, Combs persisted in violating the court’s restrictions, including making attempts to influence the jury pool through a social media campaign linked to his birthday.

The judge noted that despite assurances from Combs’ defense attorneys that he had stopped using the messaging service by November 16, 2024, new evidence suggested he continued to use it as late as November 24. The court’s concern was heightened by Combs’ disregard for the rules, leading the judge to conclude that no conditions could ensure his compliance or guarantee the safety of others if he were released.

In defense of Combs, his attorneys have repeatedly sought his release from federal custody, arguing that private security could provide stricter oversight than jail. They proposed a bail package that would include a $50 million bond, with Combs staying in a three-bedroom apartment on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, where 24/7 security would monitor all interactions. However, during the hearing, the judge dismissed the idea of Combs staying in a Miami property with a boat dock, saying such a suggestion was “not going to work.”

Combs, 54, was arrested in September and faces a series of charges related to sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and prostitution. These charges stem from multiple civil lawsuits alleging sexual abuse, which have been filed against the hip-hop mogul. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is set to go to trial on May 5, 2025.

This latest ruling marks the third time Combs has been denied bail in this case. Earlier, two other federal judges had also determined that there were no conditions under which Combs could be safely released without posing a risk of obstruction or harm to the public. His legal team previously appealed one of these decisions but was unsuccessful. Combs then sought another attempt for bail with Judge Subramanian, who has since been transferred the case.

The legal proceedings surrounding Combs are far from over, and his case continues to attract significant attention. The combination of serious criminal charges and ongoing civil suits makes this a highly publicized legal battle. As the trial date approaches, Combs’ legal team will likely continue their efforts to secure his release, though it remains uncertain whether they will succeed in overcoming the judge’s concerns regarding his potential to interfere with the investigation.

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