Sean “Diddy” Combs has been denied bail after being charged with a series of serious offenses, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.
The hip-hop mogul appeared in a Manhattan courtroom on Tuesday, where Judge Robyn F. Tarnofsky ruled that there were no conditions under which he could be released prior to trial. Combs, 54, could face a life sentence if convicted.
Video of Diddy moments before arrest in New York looking smug
What is Diddy being charged with?
The charges against Combs stem from disturbing allegations that he coerced women into participating in “Freak Off” sex sessions with male prostitutes, which he would film.
Prosecutors allege that these sessions, sometimes lasting days, were facilitated by force, threats, and manipulation.
The indictment also claims that Combs used his businesses, including Bad Boy Entertainment, as vehicles for his criminal enterprise, which included physical and sexual abuse.
In Tuesday’s proceedings, Judge Tarnofsky emphasized the difficulty of monitoring someone accused of sex trafficking, particularly given the secretive nature of the crime.
The judge also expressed concerns about the weight of the evidence presented against Combs and noted that no bail conditions could sufficiently mitigate the risks of flight or witness intimidation.
Diddy claims innocence in court
Combs, dressed in casual attire, showed little emotion during the hearing.
His legal team remains adamant about his innocence.
“Mr. Combs is a fighter. He’s not afraid of these charges, and he’s going to clear his name,” said Marc Agnifilo, one of his attorneys.
Despite an offer of a $50 million bond and the surrender of passports from both Combs and his family, the court determined that these measures would not ensure his compliance with pre-trial conditions.
The defense had also suggested home detention with GPS monitoring as an alternative, but this was rejected.
The U.S. District Attorney’s Office had argued against bail, citing Combs’ history of violence and abuse.
They portrayed him as a flight risk and a potential threat to witnesses.
In a press conference, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investigating and prosecuting those involved in sex trafficking, regardless of their wealth or fame.
The case against Combs is ongoing, with authorities continuing to investigate further.
Combs has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and his legal team is preparing to appeal the decision to hold him without bail.
If convicted, the rap icon faces a minimum of 15 years in prison, with the possibility of a life sentence looming over his future.
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