In a high-profile case that has captured national attention, music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was denied bail on Tuesday by a federal judge in Manhattan as he faces serious charges of racketeering and sex trafficking. The judge, Robyn F. Tarnofsky, rejected a $50 million bail proposal put forth by Combs’ legal team, which argued that the sum would secure his court appearances.
During the two-hour hearing, Combs pled “not guilty”—his only words during the session. His lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, emphasized that Combs had demonstrated his willingness to cooperate by voluntarily returning to New York from Miami to turn himself in and surrendering his passport, along with those of his family members. Despite these efforts, the prosecution pressed for Combs to be held without bail, arguing that his wealth and influence made him a flight risk and a danger to the community.
Prosecutors portrayed Combs as a serial offender, citing his history of violent behavior, witness intimidation, and manipulation. They pointed to disturbing allegations that Combs orchestrated multi-day sex parties, dubbed “freak-offs,” where women were allegedly coerced into sex and subjected to drugging. The prosecution presented evidence, including hotel records and video footage, to back their claims. These activities allegedly spanned from 2009 to 2024, according to court documents.
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In rejecting the defense’s bail proposal, Judge Tarnofsky stated that no conditions could ensure Combs’ compliance with court proceedings. She added that while the $50 million bond and proposed home detention were notable suggestions, they did not overcome the legal presumption in favor of detention.
Combs faces the possibility of a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison, with a maximum sentence of life if convicted. His defense, however, has vowed to appeal the ruling. They argue that the accusations are inflated, asserting that the alleged events were consensual and that Combs is not a danger. Agnifilo further argued that keeping Combs in custody would interrupt his ongoing therapy in New York, which he said is vital for his client’s well-being.
The prosecution also pointed to a 2016 video in which Combs was seen assaulting his then-girlfriend, singer Cassie, as further evidence of his violent tendencies. Despite Combs’ public apology following the video’s resurfacing earlier this year, prosecutors claimed it is part of a larger pattern of abuse. The defense, however, minimized the relevance of the video, dismissing it as an example of a toxic but mutual relationship.
As the case unfolds, Combs’ legal team insists he deserves the court’s trust, while prosecutors continue to argue that his wealth and influence make him a significant flight risk. Combs’ next court appearance is expected in the coming weeks, where his legal team will push for bail reconsideration amid growing public scrutiny.
