Sean “Diddy” Combs will not be released for the time being. The defense had requested bail and house arrest. The judge refused.
Hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs (54) will remain in custody pending trial on sex trafficking, organized crime and other charges. A federal judge has rejected his lawyers’ efforts to release the musician, producer and entrepreneur. Combs was arrested on Monday evening (September 16) in a hotel in Manhattan, New York City. The prosecution published the indictment on Tuesday. If convicted, he faces a life sentence.
Bail of $50 million and house arrest requested
Magistrate Judge Robyn F. Tarnofsky, in a nearly two-hour hearing in a New York courtroom, agreed with the U.S. Attorney’s argument that Combs poses a danger to the public and especially to potential witnesses against him.
After their client pleaded not guilty in court that afternoon, defense attorneys requested $50 million bail for Combs and house arrest. After a hearing by both sides and a brief recess to consult with court officials behind closed doors, the judge ordered Combs to be “detained.”
Will there be an appeal?
The defendant can still appeal against this in the district court – but it is unlikely that the district court will overturn the judge’s decision, according to the industry magazine’s report. Nevertheless, Combs’ lead defense attorney Marc Agnifilo said outside the courthouse that the defense would appeal against Judge Tarnofsky’s decision to keep his client in custody.
A conference hearing on the matter in Judge Tarnofsky’s courtroom is scheduled for September 24. A trial date for Combs has not yet been set.
Numerous accusations and an extremely disturbing video
Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing more than half a dozen civil lawsuits, including sexual assault charges, including a $30 million suit from one of the producers of his latest record, “The Love Album: Off The Grid.”
Combs’ arrest and indictment had been expected since federal authorities searched the music mogul’s homes in Los Angeles and Miami on March 25. Combs was accused in November 2023 by his ex-girlfriend Casandra “Cassie” Ventura (38) of engaging in sex trafficking and abusing her.
In May, a disturbing video from 2016 circulated in which he attacked her in a hotel hallway. The musician then declared that he had “hit rock bottom” and was “not looking for excuses” for his “inexcusable” behavior. He took “full responsibility.”
After his ex-girlfriend, other people also accused the rapper of sexual assault.
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
