A federal judge has denied bail for music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs for the third time, ruling that the rapper poses too great a risk to public safety and potential witnesses in his ongoing criminal case.
In Wednesday's decision, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian rejected a proposed $50 million bail package from Combs' defense team. The judge cited "compelling evidence of Combs's propensity for violence" and serious concerns about witness tampering.
The 55-year-old Bad Boy Records founder has been held at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center since his September arrest on federal sex trafficking charges, racketeering conspiracy and transportation to engage in prostitution charges. He has pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutors successfully argued against Combs' release, presenting evidence that he had attempted to contact grand jury witnesses even while behind bars. They claimed his goal was to "blackmail victims and witnesses either into silence or providing testimony helpful to his defense."
Defense attorneys had proposed strict release conditions, including 24/7 monitoring and housing Combs in a three-bedroom Manhattan apartment with no access to personal phones. They argued the prosecution's case was lacking substance.
The charges stem from alleged "freak offs" - events prosecutors say involved forced participation of male sex workers and women, often spanning multiple days and involving various narcotics.
If convicted, Combs faces 15 years to life in prison. His trial is scheduled for May 2025.