Rita Odafe
Diddy
Sean Diddy Combs, the well-known hip-hop figure facing serious allegations of sex trafficking and racketeering, has once again been denied bail.
This marks the third time judges have rejected his bail requests. Prosecutors argued against his latest attempt, claiming he had been in contact with witnesses and using unauthorized communication methods while in jail.
“For the following reasons, Combs’s motion is DENIED — no condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure the safety of the community,” stated federal judge Arun Subramanian in a recent order.
Judge Subramanian also turned down Combs’s request to be released to prepare his defense, noting that “Combs has not carried his burden of demonstrating that release from detention is necessary for trial-preparation purposes,” according to the ruling.
Federal prosecutors claim that the 55-year-old Combs sexually exploited women and coerced them into drug-fueled sex parties, utilizing threats and violence.
Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges, with his criminal trial set to commence on May 5, 2025.
This ruling came shortly after Combs’s appearance in court last week. Outside of the Manhattan courthouse, some onlookers directed harsh words at Combs’s mother, Janice Combs, accusing him of predatory behavior.
His legal team highlighted that another high-profile federal sex trafficking defendant, Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie, was granted bail, arguing that their case should be treated similarly.
However, prosecutors countered, emphasizing the significant differences between the cases. “The nature and circumstances of the offenses are substantially different,” they argued, pointing out that Jeffries was not believed to have committed violent acts or used firearms during the alleged crimes, while Combs faces more severe allegations including leading a racketeering enterprise.
Additionally, prosecutors have mentioned that further evidence could emerge, potentially leading to more charges against Combs.
Allegations against the Grammy-winning artist have intensified since last year, notably after singer Cassie, whose full name is Casandra Ventura, accused Combs of over a decade of coercion involving physical force, drugs, and a 2018 incident of rape.
