A federal judge delayed a decision on Friday regarding Sean "Diddy" Combs' request for bail as he awaits trial on charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and transporting individuals for prostitution. During the hearing in Manhattan federal court, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian asked prosecutors and defense attorneys to provide additional information about Combs' communications while in custody and the specifics of how his proposed release would be monitored.
Combs, 55, appeared in court unshackled, dressed in a khaki jail-issued uniform. He waved and blew kisses to his family seated in the gallery's second row, including his mother and children. Defense attorneys proposed a $50 million bond backed by Combs' $48 million Miami mansion, along with stringent conditions such as 24/7 private security, no internet access, and pre-approved contact limited to attorneys and family members.
Prosecutors strongly opposed the motion, arguing that Combs remains a flight risk and poses a danger to the community. "He is paying his way out of custody and continues to flout the rules," Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik said during the hearing. "He is a risk of flight, a danger to the community, and he's obstructing and trying to subvert the integrity of these proceedings."
Judge Subramanian raised concerns about potential contact between Combs' security team or family members and witnesses in the case, noting the importance of ensuring no interference with the judicial process. He directed both parties to submit briefs addressing these issues by Monday and stated that a decision could come before Thanksgiving.
Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo argued that Combs is not a flight risk and should be allowed to await trial at a three-bedroom apartment on Manhattan's Upper East Side. "Mr. Combs fully intends to face these charges," Agnifilo said, pointing out that his client's passport is already in the hands of federal authorities. Agnifilo also highlighted bail granted to other high-profile defendants, such as former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries, who is also facing sex trafficking charges.
Prosecutors pushed back, alleging that Combs has engaged in witness tampering even while detained. A recent filing accused Combs of attempting to "corruptly influence witness testimony" and interfere with the proceedings, adding to their argument against his release.
The case has drawn heightened scrutiny following revelations about evidence seized during an October jail sweep, which Combs' defense team claims violated attorney-client privilege. Judge Subramanian recently ordered prosecutors to destroy 19 pages of notes taken from Combs' cell, which the defense argued contained privileged information about potential witnesses and legal strategy.
Controversy also surrounds a video from 2016 showing Combs allegedly chasing and kicking his former partner, Cassandra Ventura, in a Los Angeles hotel hallway. Prosecutors have presented the footage as evidence of Combs' violent behavior, while his attorneys insist it has been deceptively edited. They claim the full video shows Combs trying to retrieve his phone and clothes after Ventura allegedly ran off with them.
Ventura, who last year accused Combs of years of abuse and coercion into sex acts, settled a civil lawsuit against him just one day after filing it. Prosecutors have since referred to Ventura as "Victim 1" in what they describe as a years-long sex trafficking operation led by Combs. According to court filings, women were allegedly coerced into drug-fueled group sex sessions, some of which were filmed, and physically prevented from leaving the locations.
Combs has denied all allegations, with his defense team arguing that the sexual encounters described were consensual. They contend that the government is overstating its case to justify continued detention. "The government's rationale for opposing bail is fictional," the defense wrote in a recent filing.
As the courtroom debate continues, Combs' trial is scheduled for May 2025. If convicted, the former music mogul faces a potential life sentence. For now, he remains in custody at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center, awaiting the judge's decision on his latest bid for freedom.
