Sean “Diddy” Combs will remain in custody without bail on charges such as sex trafficking by force, racketeering conspiracy, and transporting individuals for prostitution. Judge Andrew Carter made this decision on Wednesday evening, citing Combs as a danger to the community and a risk to obstruct justice and intimidate witnesses.
Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, announced plans to appeal the ruling, expressing his determination to expedite the trial, although he prefers Combs to be out of jail during the proceedings. Agnifilo emphasised Combs’ innocence and belief in his client’s integrity.
During the hearing, Carter dismissed a defence claim regarding a 2016 video showing Combs kicking and dragging Cassie Ventura, which was presented as a result of a dissolving relationship. Prosecutor Emily Johnson argued that Combs has a “longstanding pattern of abuse,” with victims fearing his influence in the entertainment industry. Johnson cited an instance where Combs contacted a victim in November 2023 to secure her public support after Ventura’s civil lawsuit was filed.
Sean ‘P Diddy’ Combs has been denied bail after being arrested over sex trafficking and racketeering charges. It’s alleged that Combs, for 15 years, held regular, depraved ‘freak offs’ where victims were coerced with drugs, violence and blackmail to perf… pic.twitter.com/M2yUSBvfwf
— DELUH 🇨🇭ヽ༼ ͠° ͟ ͜ʖ ͡° ༽ﾉ🇷🇺 (@DON_GambleFi) September 18, 2024
Agnifilo proposed measures to prevent witness tampering, including placing retired police officers at Combs’ residence and maintaining a visitor’s log. Despite these assurances, Carter found the defence’s bail package inadequate.
Before this hearing, Agnifilo had appealed Judge Robyn Tarnofsky’s decision to detain Combs pending trial. He argued for Combs’ release on a $50 million bond, secured by his Miami home and co-signed by family members, along with travel and visitor restrictions.
Comparing Combs to other jailed sex offenders like R. Kelly and Ghislaine Maxwell, Agnifilo insisted the charges against Combs are defensible and that he would appear in court to defend himself. Agnifilo also mentioned Combs’ efforts to sell his private plane and surrender his passport and those of his relatives.
The indictment accuses Combs of running an enterprise involved in sex trafficking, forced labour, kidnapping, arson, and other crimes from 2008 to the present. Federal prosecutors claim Combs used threats and coercion to fulfil his sexual desires and conceal his actions.
Prosecutors argue that Combs poses a continued threat to the community and has attempted to bribe security staff and interfere with witnesses. They assert that no conditions would prevent Combs from obstructing justice.
Upon his incarceration on Tuesday, Combs underwent a psychiatric evaluation to determine if he needed placement in the Special Housing Unit or on suicide watch. Sources report that while Combs is not in the general population at MDC, the specifics of his housing status remain unclear.
What Other Media Are Saying
- USA Today reports Diddy remains in jail after a New York judge denies his second bail request following a ‘not guilty’ plea, emphasizing ongoing legal proceedings and public interest in the case. (Read more)
- BBC News reports Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs denied bail, prosecutors alleging significant flight risk, citing sex trafficking and racketeering charges with allegations of violence and abuse. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why was Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs denied bail?
Judge Carter ruled Combs was a danger to the community and could obstruct justice and intimidate witnesses.
What charges is Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs facing?
Combs is charged with sex trafficking by force, transportation to engage in prostitution, and racketeering conspiracy.
Where is Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs being held?
Combs is being held in the special housing unit of Metropolitan Detention Center-Brooklyn.
What did Combs’ attorney propose for bail conditions?
His attorney proposed a $50 million bond, restricted travel, restrictions on female visitors, and home detention.
What is the prosecutor’s argument for keeping Combs in custody?
Prosecutors argue Combs poses an ongoing threat to the community and risks obstructing justice.
