NEW YORK (AP) Sean "Diddy" Combs remains incarcerated as a judge denied his request for bail following his conviction related to prostitution charges. The ruling came on Monday as Combs sought to secure release to await sentencing. He has been in jail since his arrest in September on federal charges that accused him of coercing former girlfriends into drug-fueled sexual acts with male escorts under his supervision.
In a trial that concluded last month, Combs was acquitted of the more serious charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking. However, he was found guilty of two counts relating to prostitution offenses. The judge, Arun Subramanian, explained his decision by stating that Combs failed to demonstrate he was not a flight risk or a danger to society, nor did he present "exceptional circumstances" that would warrant his release after a conviction typically resulting in detention.
Judge Subramanian referred to the evidence presented during the trial, which indicated violence, coercion, and subjugation connected to the prostitution allegations, as a key factor in his decision to deny bail. The prosecution, while not commenting on the ruling immediately, had previously maintained that Combs' actions demonstrated a pattern of manipulative and violent behavior towards his ex-girlfriends.
The conviction carries potential sentencing of up to ten years in prison. Legal guidelines for sentencing can be complex, and there is significant disagreement between the prosecution and Combs' defense team regarding how these guidelines should apply in his case. Ultimately, the judge has considerable discretion in determining the punishment.
Combs, now 55, has been a prominent figure in pop culture for decades, known for his multifaceted career as a Grammy-winning artist, entrepreneur, and founder of Bad Boy Records. He was previously recognized for his ability to discover and launch major talents across various entertainment sectors, from music to fashion and reality television.
During the trial, several women testified about instances of abuse, including severe allegations against Combs, such as physically assaulting R&B singer Cassie. Video footage presented in court depicted Combs engaging in violent actions against one of his former partners, raising significant concerns about his behavior and character.
In contrast, Combs' defense attorneys argued that he was being targeted for what they labeled consensual, albeit unconventional, sexual relationships. They acknowledged instances of violent outbursts but asserted that these did not rise to the level of the charges brought against him.
Following the trial’s conclusion, his legal team has made multiple attempts to secure bail, claiming that his acquittals undermined the rationale for continued detention. They have also cited cases of other individuals who were granted release before sentencing under similar circumstances.
The most recent proposal from Combs’ lawyers included a $50 million bond along with conditions such as travel restrictions and the possibility of house arrest with electronic monitoring and private security. However, prosecutors objected to his release, emphasizing his history of violence and a tendency to downplay his actions as evidence of his dangerousness.
Despite concerns raised about the conditions at the Metropolitan Detention Center, considered unsatisfactory and potentially dangerous, Judge Subramanian concluded that Combs did not meet the criteria for exceptional circumstances that would justify his release. The case continues as Combs faces significant time behind bars pending his sentencing scheduled for October.
