Judge rejects bail for Sean Combs for third time: court decision

A JUDGE denied bail Wednesday to the rapper known as “Diddy,” who is accused of sex trafficking and racketeering, according to a court filing.

Judges had twice denied bail for the rapper, whose real name is Sean Combs, and prosecutors opposed the third bid, claiming the rapper and producer had contacted witnesses and used unauthorized communication platforms while incarcerated.

“For the following reasons, Combs’ request is DENIED; no condition or combination of conditions can reasonably guarantee the safety of the public,” federal judge Arun Subramanian wrote in an order.

Subramanian also denied Combs’ application to be released from custody to prepare his defense.

“Combs did not meet his burden of showing that release from detention was necessary in preparation for trial,” the judge wrote.

Federal prosecutors allege Combs, 55, sexually assaulted women and forced them into drug-assisted orgies using threats and violence.

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He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and his criminal trial is currently scheduled to begin on May 5, 2025.

Wednesday’s decision comes after Combs appeared in court late last week.

Outside the Manhattan courthouse, bystanders shouted at Combs’ mother, Janice Combs, “Your son is a predator.” Other members of the family were also seen outside the hearing.

Combs’ lawyers argued that the defendant in another prominent federal sex trafficking case, former Abercrombie CEO Mike Jeffries, was granted bail that should have been available for their client.

“The nature and circumstances of the crimes are significantly different,” prosecutors wrote to the court Friday.

“There is no allegation that Jeffries committed acts of violence unrelated to human trafficking or used a firearm during the time he was charged. The indictment against Combs alleges both.

“As to the crimes charged, Jeffries does not include the crime of racketeering. Combs, however, is accused of leading a racketeering enterprise.”

Prosecutors have previously stated there is more evidence to investigate and more charges may be added to the indictment against Combs.

Public allegations against the Grammy winner have been mounting since late last year, when singer Cassie, whose real name is Casandra Ventura, alleged that Combs coerced her through physical force and drugs for more than a decade and subjected her to rape in 2018. AFP