by Mick the Ram

A third attempt by Sean “Diddy” Combs lawyers to get the singer bail has been denied by a judge in New York City.

Twice before they have failed, but felt they had presented a stronger case for his release this time around, but concerns remain with regard to potential witness tampering, deeming it a significant risk if he was freed before his trial, which is scheduled for May 2025.

Evidence was cited showing his violation of prison regulations while behind bars and claims he ran a “criminal enterprise” including forced labour and kidnapping. Judge Arun Subramanian concluded the court could not trust Mr Combs if bail was granted.

Mr Combs is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, charged with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution.

He has entered a plea of not guilty and continues to categorically deny that there is any truth in dozens of sexual assault accusations that have been lodged in civil lawsuits, which quickly followed his initial arrest.

Judge having none of it

The Judge wrote in his comments after considering the application: “For the following reasons, Combs’s motion is DENIED: The Court finds that the government has shown by clear and convincing evidence that no condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure the safety of the community.

“Combs has not carried his burden of demonstrating that release from detention is necessary for trial-preparation purposes.”

Prosecutors paint a damning picture

Prosecutors had strongly opposed the bail application accusing the rap mogul of misusing jail communications to influence witnesses in his case and coercing others in his orbit to post online in order to sway public opinion and benefit his defence.

They claimed the 55-year-old had encouraged his children to post a video on social media featuring their birthday celebration with the aim of swaying prospective jurors.

Allegedly, the singer sent hundreds of text messages using an app called ContactMeASAP, marketed as “an innovative text messaging service for federal inmates to communicate with loved ones via real-time messages”.

Defence case too weak to obtain release

Defence attorneys for Mr Combs had argued that he should be released so he has adequate time to prepare for his trial next year.

Lawyer Alexandra Shapiro insisted that it was impossible for the musician to prepare for trial from behind bars because of the “incredibly voluminous” amount of material to review, especially without a laptop computer.

She also said his preparation has been hampered by conditions at the jail, including frequent lockdowns and officers taking away the pens he uses to take notes.

Detention is stripping Mr Combs of “any real opportunity” to be ready for trial, violating his rights under the US Constitution, Ms Shapiro said. 

Previous attempt failed to get positive response

His legal team previously offered a $50m bail package that included house arrest and no female visitors.

He even put up his Los Angeles and Miami mansions for sale in a bid to secure the bail bond, but that was rejected by the court.

Phone tracking evidence

Lisa Bloom, an attorney for Dawn Richard, one of those who filed a civil lawsuit against Mr Combs in September, also alleges that he was contacting witnesses from prison.

She confirmed that one person had called her client a liar, and that phone tracking showed this person had had more than 100 points of contact with Mr Combs from jail.

“The strong implication there is that he talked her into making those statements, perhaps even giving her money; we just don’t know, but that would be witness tampering,” she pointed out.

Civil case lawyer makes strong suggestion

Ms Bloom continued to imply that others could be charged in the investigation further down the line.

“He didn’t do this by himself, he had an operation that people were brought in by others.”

Continuing, she stressed: “We think it’s very important that not only do predators get brought to justice, but those who conspire with them, who help them, who are complicit, do so too.”