Hip hop titan Sean “Diddy” Combs has found himself in the same infamous jail that once held Ghislaine Maxwell, known for its “restrictive” conditions that reportedly surpass even America’s supermax prison. The star is currently behind bars at New York’s Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC), which became notorious for its treatment of the fallen British socialite before her conviction on sex trafficking charges.
Following a denial of bond, Diddy now faces incarceration at MDC, accused of abusing women over a span of more than ten years and running a depraved series of sexual “Freak Offs”. Today marks the first morning the 54 year old has woken up in the harsh environment of MDC, a facility infamous for its brutal and sometimes deadly regime. For the latest TV & Showbiz news, sign up to our newsletter.
Maxwell’s legal team previously argued that she experienced conditions more severe than those faced by the most dangerous criminals at ADX Florence, the supermax prison. They contended that while at MDC, Maxwell was subjected to such extreme threats that a $1 million bounty was allegedly placed on her head.
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Now within MDC’s walls, Diddy is expected to be under constant surveillance, enduring degrading strip searches and body-cavity inspections, reports the Mirror. A source from inside the jail disclosed to the Mirror: “Some people have gone into the MDC and never come out. It is notoriously tough, and there is no doubt Diddy will, like Maxwell, be a target inside. His lawyers will be doing all they can to get him out. It is a monumental fall from grace. One day he’s living the millionaire life, and now he’s in hell on earth.”
His new lodgings are a far cry from the lavish lifestyle he once enjoyed. The menu at the Metropolitan Detention Centre (MDC) includes dinner options such as turkey roast or tofu with rice, boiled potatoes, beets, and whole wheat bread with a drink. During a court appearance on Tuesday, Diddy’s lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, attempted to prevent his client being sent to the MDC, offering a $50 million bond package and presenting six passports belonging to Combs and five family members.
(Image: Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
Agnifilo stated that the rapper was prepared to sell his private jet to demonstrate he was not a flight risk. However, Judge Robyn Tarnofsky insisted that Combs be remanded in custody ahead of his trial. Prosecutors successfully argued that the music mogul might attempt to flee the country or interfere with the investigation into sex trafficking charges against him.
The judge highlighted Combs’ alleged history of violence, which prosecutors described as “both spontaneous and premeditated.” “I don’t know that you can control yourself,” Judge Tarnofsky remarked.
The music mogul faces charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, with the indictment against him detailing allegations stretching back to 2008. Prosecutors allege that he coerced female victims and male sex workers into participating in drug-fuelled, sometimes days-long sexual performances known as “Freak Offs.” The indictment also makes reference to an alleged assault on his former girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie, which was recorded on video.
“Not guilty,” Combs said firmly to the court, rising to assert his plea after impassively absorbing the charges with his hands neatly clasped over his uncuffed lap. When Judge Tarnofsky refused bail, Combs took an extended gulp from a water bottle before being escorted from the courtroom, pausing briefly to glance at relatives in the gallery. “Mr Combs is a fighter. He’s going to fight this to the end. He’s innocent,” his lawyer Agnifilo stated following the session. An appeal against the bail ruling is already in the works.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Accusations are swirling around the founder of Bad Boy Records, suggesting he sexually assaulted women and leveraged physical force against them, using his personal aides, security personnel, and domestic staff to conceal his actions. Prosecutors argue that he further attempted to bribe and intimidate witnesses and victims to silence them. “Simply put, he is a serial abuser and a serial obstructor,” Assistant US Attorney Emily Johnson declared during the hearing.
Acknowledging some of Combs’ personal flaws, Agnifilo admitted his client was “not a perfect person,”, had battled with substance abuse, and experienced “toxic relationships”, while noting Combs was actively receiving treatment and therapy. “The evidence in this case is extremely problematic,” the defence attorney claimed in court, suggesting the entire case was rooted in a singular long-term consensual relationship gone sour due to cheating.
Without providing a name, the attorney drew parallels with Combs’ ten-year history with Cassie, legally known as Casandra Ventura. Agnifilo argued that the “Freak Offs” were merely an extension of consensual relationships, not acts of coercion. “Is it sex trafficking? Not if everybody wants to be there,” he stated, suggesting that the case was an overreach into his client’s privacy.
Prosecutors have indicated in legal documents that they’ve spoken with over 50 victims and witnesses, anticipating that this figure will increase. They plan to use a variety of evidence including financial, travel, and billing records, electronic data, communications, and video footage of the “Freak Offs” to support their case. Diddy could face a life sentence, with a mandatory minimum of 15 years, if found guilty on all three felony charges. Maxwell had previously been held at the MDC before being convicted of sex trafficking of minors and receiving a 20-year prison term.
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