Sean Combs sits quietly in court as judge announces his bail denial on sex crime convictions. 📸: Reuters
Brooklyn, New York City — (EPICSTORIAN) | A federal judge confirmed Diddy Bail denial following convictions for transportation to engage in prostitution.
The Diddy bail denial decision comes despite his acquittal on more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, which had carried the potential for a life sentence.
Judge cites domestic violence in Diddy bail denial ruling
Judge Arun Subramanian cited the artist’s documented history of domestic violence as a primary factor for denying bail.
During proceedings, he referenced a 2016 hotel video showing Combs assaulting his ex-partner, Cassie Ventura, as well as the defence’s own courtroom admission of past abuse.
“We own the domestic violence,” defence attorney Mark Agnifilo had told the court in closing arguments, acknowledging Combs’ history.
Prosecutors also submitted testimony from Ventura and another woman referred to as “Jane,” both of whom said they were transported across state lines and coerced into sex acts, prompting the jury’s guilty verdict under the 115-year-old Mann Act.
Diddy faces sentencing in October after prostitution conviction
Despite his lawyers’ plea that Combs had shown good behaviour and completed a batterers’ intervention program before arrest, the judge said the risk to public safety and flight concerns could not be overlooked.
As a result, the Diddy bail denial stands, and the rapper will remain in custody until his October 3 sentencing.
Each of the two convictions carries a maximum of 10 years in prison, but legal analysts note that sentencing guidelines may result in less.
“If the judge sees no aggravating factors, the terms may run concurrently,” said Jennifer Beidel, a former federal prosecutor, in an interview with the BBC.
Meanwhile, Combs continues to face mounting civil lawsuits from over 150 plaintiffs alleging decades of abuse. These claims are separate from the federal trial and will move forward in various state courts.
Civil attorney Tony Buzbee, representing multiple accusers, said the trial’s outcome “doesn’t absolve Mr. Combs from accountability in civil court.”
Also Read: DOJ, FBI disrupt North Korean remote IT fraud in nationwide laptop raids
Though the courtroom drama has subsided for now, the spotlight on Diddy’s legal battles remains intense.
The denied bail and looming sentencing mark a pivotal moment in the downfall of one of hip-hop’s most iconic figures.
