Prosecutors are pushing for a significant prison sentence for Sean "Diddy" Combs and are opposing his request for bail. This stance follows his conviction last month on charges related to prostitution. They argue that there are no new circumstances that justify reconsidering his bail.
Federal prosecutors have formally charged Diddy with running a "criminal enterprise" and accused him of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, maintaining his innocence.
Prosecutors are arguing that Diddy poses a risk to the integrity of the legal process and the safety of witnesses in his ongoing criminal case. They allege that while in custody, Combs has engaged in actions designed to obstruct justice and influence the outcome of his trial. These allegations compound concerns about Combs' behavior, which prosecutors argue underscores his potential for continued interference if released on bail.
Specifically, prosecutors cited recorded jail calls where Combs reportedly instructed family members to contact potential witnesses and influence their narratives. They asserted that Diddy used recordings of allegedly coerced sexual acts as "collateral" to prevent witnesses from testifying against him. Prosecutors also noted that Diddy had contacted a witness before his arrest.
Diddy's legal team has argued that there is no evidence of witness tampering or interference with the investigation and claim that the government's ruling was "based on speculation". Diddy's lawyers proposed a bail package that included a private security detail, no access to phones or the internet, and a visitor list. They also offered a $50 million bond.
Previously, Diddy's request for bail has hit snags in court. The prosecution wrote that the District Court rightly rejected Combs's effort to "pay his way out of detention," stating that "no set of conditions could ensure the safety of the community". On two separate occasions, Diddy's bail was denied.
His legal team asked for a postponement of a scheduled appeal hearing, stating that they would offer a new release application to the lower court based on "certain relevant new information," including videos of various consensual sexual encounters involving Diddy.
