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Diddy attempted for bail for 3rd time
Sean “Diddy” Combs is once again in court, advocating for his release on $50 million bail while he awaits trial for sex trafficking and racketeering charges.
Earlier in the week, the judge instructed federal prosecutors to remove images of the billionaire mogul’s handwritten notes that were obtained during a search of his jail cell, as his legal team claimed they were confidential and obtained illegally. The judge stated that snippets from the notes mentioned by prosecutors earlier cannot be referenced during the bond hearing.
The quotes inquired about obtaining incriminating information on at least two potential witnesses.
Following two previous denials of his bail request, Combs sought freedom again last week by proposing a new $50 million bail, guaranteed by his Miami Beach mansion valued at approximately $48 million, according to his lawyers. Prosecutors claim that Combs’ freedom may endanger the safety of victims and witnesses. Although the defense offered a large amount of money, the judge has not released the hip-hop icon from prison.
In legal papers, his attorneys contended that the vicious attack on ex-girlfriend Casandra “Cassie” Ventura in a Los Angeles hotel, captured on tape, was a brief look into a complicated yet decade-long consensual relationship between Mr. Combs and Victim-1.
District attorneys previously voiced “serious concerns” regarding the protection of victims and witnesses if Combs were released, and the judge in charge of his case denied his broad plea for a gag rule that would have limited new accusers from speaking out.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs allegedly pummels woman in 2016 hotel video
Judge Arun Subramanian Statement
“Combs’s authorities don’t support a gag order applicable not only to trial participants, but also to any alleged victim and their lawyer,” Judge Arun Subramanian wrote. “Local Rule 23.1 doesn’t authorize this kind of relief. The limitations of that rule don’t even apply to witnesses, let alone prospective ones that haven’t yet been identified.”
Diddy has been in custody without bail at a federal prison in Brooklyn following his apprehension on federal charges of sex trafficking, forced prostitution, and racketeering.
A trial has been arranged for May 5 in the upcoming year. At that point, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee, former Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Jay Clayton, could take over as the U.S. attorney in charge of his case.
The federal authorities began investigating in November 2023 when Ventura filed a lawsuit against Combs, accusing him of physical and sexual abuse. He resolved her civil lawsuit one day post its submission.
Diddy strongly refuted the claims made by Ventura and all other accusers. After that, the video was released – revealing the almost nude billionaire violently attacking her in the corridor of the Intercontinental Hotel in Los Angeles.
The video seemed to support one of the allegations in Ventura’s lawsuit: that Combs assaulted her in the hotel by punching her in the face in 2016.
“Mr. Combs became extremely intoxicated and punched Ms. Ventura in the face, giving her a black eye,” her lawyers alleged.
The lawsuit claimed he was intoxicated and when he fell asleep, she attempted to leave unnoticed. Nevertheless, he reportedly awoke and continued shouting at her, then chased her into the hallway and pushed her to the floor.
In the last year, additional individuals have stepped forward as new accusers, with lawyer Tony Buzbee from Texas stating in October that he is now representing over 100 individuals seeking to take legal action against the rapper.
Combs has been charged with distributing date rape drugs and harming adults and children at parties, reportedly with the help of unidentified “famous” partners.
The judge is still considering some additional documents from Combs that were seized during the jail search, such as notes from his locker, intact pages from legal pads, pages from an address book, and pages ripped from three other legal pads.
The defense has asked for copies of the jailhouse surveillance footage captured during the search as well.
