Sean “Diddy” Combs has been denied bail for the third time ahead of his sex trafficking trial.
The 55-year-old disgraced hip-hop mogul had made another attempt at freedom before Thanksgiving, but will now remain behind bars at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn ahead of his trial in May 2025.
Combs has been charged with racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation for prostitution — all of which he denies.
U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian made the decision Wednesday in a written ruling following a bail hearing last week, when the rapper’s lawyers argued that a $50 million bail package they proposed would be enough to ensure Combs does not flee and tries to intimidate future suspects. witnesses to the trial.
Subramanian cited direct evidence of Combs’ violence — referencing Diddy hitting ex Cassie in a 2016 hotel surveillance video — and a serious risk of witness tampering in the denial
The ruling read: “The Court finds that the government has demonstrated by clear and convincing evidence that no condition or combination of circumstances can reasonably ensure the safety of the community.
Prosecutors had previously said Combs carried out “witness tampering” from behind bars, with Subramanian agreeing, saying: “There is evidence to support a serious risk of witness tampering.”
Sean Diddy’ Combs has been denied bail for the third time ahead of his sex trafficking trial – photo 2022
The judge also cited evidence that Diddy had violated rules governing communications behind bars, including paying for inmates’ phone access codes to make three-way calls to people not on his approved contact list.
“Compelling evidence of Combs’ propensity for violence” was also cited in the decision.
Combs had asked to be released on a $50 million bond and 24/7 home confinement.
Two other judges were previously convinced by prosecutors’ arguments that the Bad Boy Records founder was a danger to the community if he wasn’t behind bars.
Diddy appeared last week before a federal judge in New York and was supported in court by his family.
His mother Janice, 84, emerged hand-in-hand with Diddy’s son Christian ‘King’ Combs, 26, and walked into the court.
Diddy himself walked into the courtroom through a side door wearing a jail-issued tan top and pants
He was not shackled after his lawyers claimed it would undermine the “dignity” of the court.
Diddy broke into a smile when he saw seven members of his family in the second row of the public gallery, including his mother Janice, 83, who was wearing sunglasses, adopted son Quincy, 33, Justin, 30, King, Chance, 18, and his twin daughters. D’Lila and Jessie, 17.
He blew them kisses, made a prayer sign with his hands and tapped his heart.
Diddy warmly hugged his lawyers and sat down at a table where he put on reading glasses to review some documents.
The proceedings started with a bang when Anthony Ricco, the disgraced rapper’s attorney, told Judge Arun Subramanian, “I would like to point out that Mr. Combs’ family is present.” They have traveled a great distance to be here. That is his mother, his children and other relatives.’
Subramanian thanked Diddy’s family in response and said it was “important for you to be here.”
Prosecutor Christy Slavik said Diddy was “a violent abuser and a danger to the community” as he argued he should be taken into custody.
The 55-year-old disgraced hip-hop mogul made another attempt at freedom before Thanksgiving, but will now remain behind bars at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn
The Combs family arrived in the Southern District of New York federal court on November 22 to attend a hearing for Diddy – including his (pictured) adopted son Quincy, 33, Chance, 18, and his twin daughters D’Lila and Jessie, 17.
Subramanian cited direct evidence of Combs’ violence — referencing Diddy hitting ex Cassie in a 2016 hotel surveillance video — and a serious risk of witness tampering in the denial
The brutal video of Diddy attacking singer Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel hallway in March 2016 was released by CNN in May
Lawyers for the founder of Bad Boy Records claim the prosecution case is “fictional” and that they have put a “theatrical spin” on it.
They are expected to claim that a key piece of evidence – a video of him assaulting his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in 2016 – was “doctored” to make it look worse than it actually is.
Diddy is accused of running a decade-long criminal empire, including orgies called “Freak Offs,” in which women were drugged and forced into marathon sex sessions, sometimes with male prostitutes.
He has denied sex trafficking and extortion, among other things, and will stand trial in May next year.
Diddy has already been denied bail twice, including a $50 million bail package that included 24-hour guard supervision and house arrest.
But prosecutors have argued that he continues to obstruct justice while in jail and that no amount of bail would prevent him from influencing the jury and tampering with witnesses.
Their filings have led to a legal showdown over what Diddy’s lawyers claim is a “complete institutional failure” by prosecutors.
The dispute involves notes seized by a Bureau of Prisons investigator during an Oct. 28 raid on Diddy’s cell at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where he is being held.
Under-fire rap megastar Diddy looks on top of the world as he and his then-girlfriend Cassie throw a party during the Bad Boy Sound Clash in Kingston, Jamaica, in January 2013
Diddy is accused of running a decade-long criminal empire, including orgies called “Freak Offs,” in which women were drugged and forced into marathon sex sessions, sometimes with male prostitutes.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson argues for prosecution as Diddy and his attorneys Agnifilo and Geragos sit during a bail hearing on September 18
Prosecutors used some notes to argue that Diddy still tried to obstruct justice by paying a female witness to make a positive statement about him on Instagram.
Diddy’s lawyers have argued that this material is confidential and said in court this week that they need to gather more information before deciding what the remedy might be.
But the case is so serious that it may have to be dismissed or the team of four female prosecutors re-tried, Marc Agnifilo said.
Diddy was arrested on September 16 and has been in the MDC ever since.
He appeared relaxed in court Wednesday, smiling and joking with his lawyers.
Earlier this week, he was hit with five new civil lawsuits, the latest in a flurry that is expected to reach more than 100 once all are filed.
The new claims include an allegation from a woman who says she was drugged and raped at one of Diddy’s infamous “White Parties” in New York’s Hamptons.
Diddy’s lawyers deny all civil allegations.