Sean “Diddy” Combs was denied bail for the second time after pleading not guilty to charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transporting individuals for prostitution.
Combs was arrested in Manhattan and has been accused of crimes going back to 2008. During a court hearing on Tuesday, he pleaded not guilty to these charges. Prosecutors argued that Combs was “dangerous” and should remain in custody without bail. On the other hand, his legal team suggested he be placed under house arrest with electronic monitoring, backed by a $50 million bond. However, U.S. Magistrate Judge Robyn Tarnofsky rejected this request, prompting his lawyers to file an appeal.
On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Andrew L. Carter also denied the appeal, stating that the prosecution had clearly demonstrated that no bail arrangement would sufficiently protect the community or ensure Combs wouldn’t interfere with witnesses.
According to the indictment, which spans 14 pages, Combs allegedly used his business empire to create a criminal network. The document claims that his organization was involved in sex trafficking, forced labor, prostitution, narcotics offenses, and other serious crimes. The indictment also states that Combs abused, threatened, and coerced women and others to fulfill his desires, maintain his reputation, and cover up his actions.
One of the key charges against Combs is the repeated abuse of women and others, which included verbal, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. He’s also accused of facilitating commercial sex acts and knowingly transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution. The indictment further claims that Combs controlled these women by supplying them with drugs, manipulating their careers, and using financial leverage, intimidation, and violence.
Combs’ legal team has expressed disappointment with the prosecution’s decision to pursue what they view as an unfair case. His attorney, Marc Agnifilo, emphasized that Combs had been cooperating with the investigation and voluntarily moved to New York before the charges were filed, expressing confidence that he would clear his name in court.
This is not the first time Combs has faced legal trouble this year. In November, his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, filed a lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault and years of abuse. While Combs denied the allegations, the lawsuit was settled the next day. Since then, several other accusers have come forward, though Combs has consistently denied all claims.
Earlier this year, federal agents searched his Los Angeles and Miami homes as part of an investigation. Combs called the raid an excessive use of force. A video resurfaced in May showing Combs physically assaulting Ventura, which led him to apologize, admitting he was disgusted by his actions then and still feels the same way now.
In July, former adult film star Adria English also filed a lawsuit against Combs, accusing him of sex trafficking and sexual assault. Though Combs denied the allegations, her attorney suggested a criminal indictment could follow soon.
