Sean "Diddy" Combs Denied Bail Again

Sean "Diddy" Combs will continue to be held in federal custody after his legal team sought his release on a $50 million bond during a court hearing on Wednesday.

Judge Andrew L. Carter determined that Combs would remain incarcerated due to concerns about potential witness tampering and obstruction related to his case, as reported by CNN and The New York Times. The judge stated that the government had shown "clear and convincing evidence" that no bail amount could ensure Combs would not interfere with witnesses, according to The Associated Press.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson informed the court that the hip-hop mogul has a "long history of intimidating both accusers and witnesses regarding his alleged abuse," referencing text messages from women who claimed Combs threatened to release videos of them participating in sexual performances he allegedly organized.

Following the ruling outside the New York courthouse, Combs' attorney, Marc Agnifilo, expressed disappointment but confirmed plans to appeal the decision. Two judges have previously denied Combs' requests for release on a $50 million bond.

Agnifilo stated, "I would much prefer to fight this case with him out of jail, and we're going to try to bring that about through additional legal processes. Regardless of where he is, his determination remains unchanged." He emphasized Combs' belief in his innocence and their commitment to vigorously contesting the charges.

Currently, Combs is being held in solitary confinement at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center, with the next court hearing set for October 9.

Agnifilo also mentioned plans to expedite the trial process, aiming to reduce the time Combs spends in what he described as "very difficult" conditions in the Special Housing Unit. He hopes for a transfer to a facility in Essex County, New Jersey, which he believes would be more manageable for both Combs and his legal team.

Anna Cominsky, an associate professor of law and director of the Criminal Defense Clinic at New York Law School, noted that Combs' incarceration presents significant challenges for his defense team. "Mr. Combs will be fighting this case from behind bars, making it extremely difficult for legal assistance," she commented.

Despite the ruling, Agnifilo reported that Combs remained stoic in response to the decision, having faced many challenges throughout his life.

In a separate legal matter amid his sex trafficking indictment, Combs achieved a victory when a $100 million judgment against him by Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith was dismissed. Cardello-Smith, currently imprisoned for serious crimes, had initially received this judgment related to an alleged 1997 sexual assault. However, Judge Anna Marie Anzalone ruled that the statute of limitations had expired on Cardello-Smith's claim.

Combs had already been denied bail after pleading not guilty to charges including sex trafficking and racketeering. Following an arraignment hearing, U.S. Magistrate Judge Robyn Tarnofsky ordered him to remain in custody.

On Wednesday, Combs' attorneys submitted an updated bail proposal of $50 million secured by equity from his Miami home and his mother's property. This proposal included measures such as restricted travel between New York and Florida, house arrest with GPS monitoring, limitations on female visitors, and weekly drug testing.

Prosecutors raised concerns regarding Combs' substance abuse and anger management issues during previous hearings. They also noted that narcotics were found in his hotel room at the time of his arrest.

In addition to seeking home detention with GPS monitoring on a $50 million bond backed by his properties, Combs' legal team highlighted that he has never shied away from challenges throughout his life.

The indictment against him outlines serious allegations involving turning his business empire into a criminal organization engaged in various offenses including kidnapping and sex trafficking. During law enforcement raids linked to these allegations, authorities reportedly seized multiple firearms and evidence related to these crimes.

Homeland Security Investigations emphasized their commitment to holding accountable those who exploit others, stating that their actions are driven by the strength of victims who have endured significant hardships.