Sean "Diddy" Combs Denied Bail Ahead of Sex Trafficking Trial
Judge Cites Evidence of Witness Tampering and Jail Violations
Sean "Diddy" Combs was denied bail on Wednesday as he awaits a May sex trafficking trial by a judge who cited evidence showing him to be a serious risk of witness tampering and proof that he has violated regulations in jail.
Bail Hearing and Arguments
U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian made the decision in a written ruling following a bail hearing last week, when lawyers for the hip-hop mogul argued that a $50 million bail package they proposed would be sufficient to ensure Combs doesn’t flee and doesn’t try to intimidate prospective trial witnesses.
Previous Denials of Bail
Two other judges previously had been persuaded by prosecutors’ arguments that the Bad Boy Records founder was a danger to the community if he is not behind bars.
Federal Trial Scheduled
The federal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs is scheduled to start May 5, a judge in New York declared on Thursday.
Charges and Indictment
Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges that he coerced and abused women for years, aided by associates and employees. An indictment alleges that he silenced victims through blackmail and violence, including kidnapping, arson and physical beatings.
Allegations and Denials
Lawyers for Combs say any alleged sexual abuse described in the indictment occurred during consensual relations between adults and that new evidence refutes allegations that Combs used his “power and prestige” to induce female victims into drugged-up, elaborately produced sexual performances with male sex workers known as “Freak Offs.”
Prosecution’s Concerns
Prosecutors have insisted that no bail conditions would be sufficient to protect the public and prevent the “I’ll Be Missing You” singer from fleeing. They say that even in a federal lockup in Brooklyn, Combs has orchestrated social media campaigns designed to influence prospective jurors and tried to publicly leak materials he thinks can help his case. They say he also has contacted potential witnesses through third parties.
Conclusion
Sean "Diddy" Combs will remain in custody until his May trial, as a judge has denied his request for bail citing concerns about witness tampering and jail violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the charges against Sean "Diddy" Combs?
A: Combs has been charged with sex trafficking and related crimes, alleging that he coerced and abused women for years.
Q: What is the date of his federal trial?
A: Combs’ federal trial is scheduled to start on May 5.
Q: Has Combs been denied bail before?
A: Yes, two previous judges had denied Combs’ request for bail, and a federal appeals court judge also denied his immediate release.
Q: What is the prosecution’s concern about Combs?
A: Prosecutors are concerned that Combs is a danger to the community and that no bail conditions would be sufficient to protect the public and prevent him from fleeing.
