NEW YORK (Reuters) — Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs will remain in custody for several more days as U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian deliberates on his bail request. Combs, who has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn for 10 weeks, has proposed a $50 million bail package backed by his $48 million Florida mansion. The package includes conditions for 24/7 security monitoring and a prohibition on contact with alleged victims or witnesses.
Judge: Bail Request Under Review
During a nearly two-hour hearing in Manhattan federal court on Friday, Judge Subramanian stated he would rule on Combs’ bid for home detention “promptly.” This marks Combs’ fourth attempt to secure bail after three prior denials. Judges have cited concerns over potential witness tampering.
Allegations and Denial of Charges
Combs, 55, faces charges alleging he used his entertainment empire, including Bad Boy Entertainment, to sexually abuse women. He pleaded not guilty to these charges on September 17. Prosecutors allege that Combs coerced women into participating in recorded sexual acts known as “freak offs,” often involving male sex workers transported across state lines.
Defense attorneys maintain that all described activities were consensual. They have emphasized Combs’ willingness to comply with court conditions and disputed claims that he poses a risk to witnesses or the public.
Judge: Hotel Surveillance Video in Question
At the hearing, defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo challenged prosecutors’ use of a 2016 hotel surveillance video as evidence of Combs’ alleged violent behavior. The footage reportedly shows Combs physically assaulting his former girlfriend, singer Casandra Ventura (known as Cassie). Agnifilo argued that while Combs has apologized for the incident, it does not substantiate the charges of sex trafficking.
“It’s our defense to these charges that this was a toxic, loving 11-year relationship,” Agnifilo stated.
Prosecutor Christine Slavik countered by alleging that Combs tried to bribe hotel staff to delete the video, demonstrating a willingness to obstruct justice. Slavik also accused Combs of communicating with his lawyers through unauthorized channels and attempting to influence potential jurors via social media campaigns.
Comparisons to Other Cases
Combs’ lawyers questioned why he remains jailed while Mike Jeffries, the former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO facing similar sex-trafficking charges, was released on a $10 million bond. Prosecutors distinguished the two cases, noting Jeffries’ advanced age of 80 and lack of criminal history, compared to Combs’ prior arrests and the discovery of rifles with defaced serial numbers in his residences.
Judge: Family Support and Courtroom Moments
As Combs entered the courtroom, wearing a beige jail-issued uniform, he blew kisses to his family seated in the audience.
Attorney-Client Privilege Dispute
A controversy emerged this week over handwritten notes Combs had written in jail. A government investigator photographed the notes during a sweep of the detention facility. Judge Subramanian has ordered prosecutors to destroy their copies of the notes while deciding whether they are protected by attorney-client privilege.
Next Steps
The court’s decision on Combs’ bail is expected in the coming days. Meanwhile, Combs denies any wrongdoing and maintains that the charges against him are unfounded.
This high-profile case continues to draw attention as both sides prepare for what is shaping up to be a contentious legal battle.
