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In a dramatic courtroom development Friday, Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team made their third attempt to secure his release while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, with a final decision expected next week as prosecutors cautioned about his alleged attempts to interfere with the case from jail.
During a two-hour Manhattan federal court session, Judge Arun Subramanian announced he would rule on Combs’ bail request after reviewing additional arguments from both sides, due by Monday noon.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs will remain in jail as a US judge considers his bid to be released on $50 million bail. He is accused of sexually abusing women https://t.co/7ssafCcjIR pic.twitter.com/zHnrhTgTHc
— Reuters (@Reuters) November 23, 2024
The defense proposed a $50 million bail arrangement, suggesting either Combs’ Miami Beach island mansion or a Manhattan Upper East Side apartment for his confinement under constant surveillance, effectively placing him under house arrest instead of his current detention at Brooklyn’s federal facility.
His attorneys outlined a plan with severe restrictions on outside contact, while prosecutors argued that no conditions could adequately address Combs’ potential threat to witnesses and case integrity.
According to prosecutors, Combs has consistently violated jail regulations at the Metropolitan Detention Center, attempting to influence witnesses and potential jurors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik dismissed the proposal as simply “the defendant paying his way out of custody.”
Defense attorney Anthony Ricco challenged the prosecution’s characterization of Combs as uncontrollable and lawless, while colleague Teny Geragos emphasized the impossibility of rule violations under their proposed restrictions.
The 55-year-old music mogul faces accusations of long-term abuse and coercion of women, supported by a network of associates, while using intimidation and violence to maintain silence. His trial is scheduled for May 5.
Previous judicial decisions deemed Combs a community threat if released, with an appeals court recently denying immediate release while a broader bail request remains under consideration.
Earlier this week, Combs appeared in court when a judge prohibited prosecutors from using materials seized during a jail contraband sweep. During Friday’s hearing, he arrived in prison attire, greeting family members with waves and kisses before joining his defense team.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs returns to court Friday to request his release from jail on a $50 million bond. @BrianGBuckmire has the latest on his third attempt to be released on bail. pic.twitter.com/unim5eyHqk
— ABC News Live (@ABCNewsLive) November 22, 2024
Prosecutors alleged that while incarcerated, Combs has orchestrated social media campaigns to influence potential jurors and attempted to leak favorable case materials through third parties.
His legal team challenged key evidence, particularly a 2016 video showing Combs allegedly assaulting singer Cassie, arguing it misrepresents a consensual relationship. Prosecutors countered that Combs had paid $100,000 to suppress the original footage.
Slavik concluded by emphasizing the case’s violent nature, describing years of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse of romantic partners by Combs.
