Federal prosecutors have leveled new allegations against music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs, accusing him of attempting to manipulate witnesses and influence public opinion while in jail awaiting trial on sex trafficking and racketeering charges. The claims were made in a court filing submitted late Friday, urging a Manhattan federal judge to deny Combs' latest request for a $50 million bail release.
Prosecutors allege that Combs used recorded jail calls to instruct family members to contact potential witnesses and craft narratives intended to sway public perception and influence potential jurors. "The defendant has shown repeatedly - even while in custody - that he will flagrantly and repeatedly flout rules in order to improperly impact the outcome of his case," prosecutors stated in their filing. They further suggested that Combs' actions may involve efforts to blackmail victims and witnesses into silence or favorable testimony.
The 55-year-old entrepreneur, who has pleaded not guilty, is accused of leading a network of associates who coerced and abused women, using violence, blackmail, and other forms of control over a period of years. His previous bail requests have been denied by two judges who deemed him a danger to the community and a flight risk.
Prosecutors pointed to specific examples of Combs' alleged behavior while in detention. They claim that he orchestrated a social media campaign around his birthday, instructing his children to post celebratory videos on their accounts to generate public sympathy and influence the jury pool. According to the filing, "The defendant (from within the [Metropolitan Detention Center]) then monitored the analytics - i.e., audience engagement - and explicitly discussed with his family how to ensure that the video had his desired effect on potential jury members in this case."
In addition, the filing details alleged attempts by Combs to use unauthorized communications, including directing third-party messaging services and using phone accounts belonging to other inmates. Prosecutors assert that Combs sought to obscure his communications and continue his efforts to interfere with the legal process.
Defense attorneys for Combs have not publicly responded to these latest claims. However, they have previously argued that Combs' communications were not obstructive and that his release is necessary to adequately prepare for his trial, set for May 2025. The defense's latest bail motion was filed citing new evidence they claim warrants reconsideration of his detention.
Prosecutors dismissed the argument as a rehash of previously rejected claims, asserting, "The defendant offers nothing new and material justifying a third bail hearing." They emphasized that Combs' conduct behind bars demonstrates an ongoing risk of obstruction and noncompliance with any release conditions.
Combs has been accused of contacting a woman identified as "Witness-2" after a significant period of no contact, coinciding with her name appearing in a lawsuit against him. The government contends that Combs' attempts to reconnect with this witness raise further concerns about his influence over potential testimony.
The stakes remain high as Combs' legal team, including high-profile attorneys Marc Agnifilo and Teny Rose Geragos, prepare to respond to these allegations by the Nov. 20 deadline. Combs faces charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and related offenses, with potential sentences that could include life imprisonment.
