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Sean “Diddy” Combs will remain incarcerated as he awaits his trial scheduled for May 5, 2025, concerning allegations of sex trafficking. A U.S. judge ruled against his request to be released on a $50 million bail during a hearing held on November 22 in Manhattan federal court.
The ruling was issued by U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, following a two-hour session where arguments regarding the bail were presented.
This marks the fourth time Combs has been denied bail since his initial arrest. Judges have consistently referenced concerns over the potential for him to influence or intimidate witnesses.
Facing charges since September 17, Combs has pleaded not guilty. The allegations suggest he exploited his business interests, specifically through Bad Boy Entertainment, to perpetrate sexual abuse against multiple women.
According to prosecutors, the allegations include coercing women into participation in sexually explicit performances known as “freak offs” with male sex workers, who were allegedly transported across state lines.
Combs, who is 55 years old, has denied all accusations, and his legal team contends that the sexual encounters in question were consensual.
His defense proposed a release plan that would confine him to an apartment on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, under constant surveillance by privately hired security, while restricting contact with alleged victims and witnesses.
However, prosecutors argued that enforcing such restrictions would be implausible. They cited instances where Combs reportedly misused other inmates’ identification numbers to communicate while in custody, contradicting jail policies aimed at overseeing inmate communications.
Moreover, prosecutors referenced a 2016 incident captured on hotel surveillance video that depicted Combs assaulting his former girlfriend, Casandra Ventura—more commonly known as Cassie—suggesting he poses a risk of further violence if released.
Prosecutor Christine Slavik emphasized the implications of the video, characterizing Combs as a “violent abuser” who poses a threat to the community, asserting he has a history of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse towards his partners.
In contrast, defense attorney Marc Agnifilo asserted that there is no risk of Combs engaging in violent behavior while on bail, stressing that such a risk is nonexistent.
Combs had previously issued an apology in May after the video surfaced, which depicted him in a physical altercation with Cassie. Agnifilo acknowledged the incident but argued that it should not be construed as evidence of trafficking.
He described their past relationship as “toxic” yet “loving,” indicating that the dynamics were more complex than the charges suggest.
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www.yahoo.com