In a decisive ruling on Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian denied Sean “Diddy” Combs’ request for release on a $50-million bail, keeping the music mogul in custody as he awaits his trial on sex-trafficking charges scheduled for May 5, 2025. Combs, 55, has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) for the past 10 weeks.
Judge Subramanian’s decision came after a two-hour hearing in Manhattan federal court on November 22, where Combs’ defense team argued for his release, offering to house him at an Upper East Side apartment under private security surveillance. However, prosecutors warned that Combs posed a serious flight risk and could tamper with witnesses, citing his prior jailhouse conduct and the severity of the charges against him.
The allegations against Combs include the abuse and sexual exploitation of women within his business empire, including his famed record label, Bad Boy Entertainment. Prosecutors contend that Combs used his influence to coerce women into participating in recorded “freak offs” with male sex workers, some of whom were transported across state lines for these encounters.
Combs, who pleaded not guilty to all charges in September, has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, with his legal team asserting that the sexual activity described by the prosecution was consensual. Defense attorneys also sought to downplay concerns about Combs’ behavior, claiming the abuse accusations were exaggerated and that the hotel surveillance video showing an altercation with his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, was an isolated incident in an otherwise complex relationship.
Despite these claims, prosecutors pointed to the video as evidence of Combs’ violent tendencies and potential threat to public safety if released. “This video shows the defendant is a violent abuser and a danger to the community,” stated prosecutor Christine Slavik. She added that Combs’ history of abusing romantic partners—physically, sexually, and emotionally—reinforced the need to keep him in custody.
Defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo strongly disputed the notion of Combs as a threat, asserting, “There’s a zero percent chance of that happening.” He also emphasized that the alleged incident with Cassie was part of a tumultuous but loving 11-year relationship, not an example of sex trafficking.
As the legal battle continues, all eyes will be on the upcoming trial, where the court will decide whether Combs is guilty of these serious charges or whether the allegations will be dismissed.
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