Sean 'Diddy' Combs, the hip-hop mogul, was denied bail on Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian as he awaits a May sex trafficking trial. The judge cited evidence indicating Combs poses a 'serious risk' of witness tampering and has attempted to conceal prohibited communications with third parties while in custody.
Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges of coercing and abusing women over several years with the help of associates and employees. The indictment alleges that he used blackmail and violence, including kidnapping, arson, and physical assaults, to silence victims.
Despite arguments from Combs' lawyers proposing a $50 million bail package to prevent him from fleeing or intimidating trial witnesses, the judge agreed with prosecutors that Combs is a danger to the community if released. Subramanian highlighted evidence of Combs' history of violence and witness tampering.
Prosecutors have raised concerns about Combs' behavior while in custody, including orchestrating social media campaigns to influence potential jurors, contacting witnesses through third parties, and violating Bureau of Prisons regulations by paying inmates to make unauthorized calls.
The judge emphasized that even the strictest form of home confinement would not be sufficient to prevent Combs from engaging in similar behavior. He pointed to instances where Combs attempted to conceal communications and influence his trial's jury pool.
Combs' defense maintains that any alleged sexual abuse described in the indictment occurred during consensual adult relationships. They argue that new evidence contradicts claims that Combs used his influence to coerce victims into sexual performances.
Subramanian's decision to deny bail comes after a federal appeals court judge rejected Combs' immediate release while a three-judge panel considers his bail request. The judge expressed doubts about the effectiveness of any conditions that rely on Combs and his associates to comply.
