American rapper 'Diddy' Combs denied bail for 3rd time in sex-trafficking case

By Beril Canakci

ISTANBUL (AA) - American producer and rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs on Wednesday was denied bail for the third time in his sex-trafficking case, with a US district judge citing concerns over potential witness tampering.

According to CNN, the decision followed a two-hour hearing in which the judge questioned prosecutors’ claims that Combs had obstructed the ongoing investigation, ahead of his May 2025 trial.

Judge Arun Subramanian ruled that Combs could not be trusted to safely return to the community if released before his trial.

Combs is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, on charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and transporting individuals for prostitution.

He has pleaded not guilty and denied over two dozen sexual assault allegations in multiple civil lawsuits.

Prosecutors argued that the music mogul used jail communications to influence witnesses and sway public opinion, including allegedly encouraging his children to post a video on social media featuring their birthday celebration to affect potential jurors.

They also claimed Combs operated two accounts on a messaging app called 'ContactMeASAP,' designed for federal inmates, communicating with individuals not approved by jail authorities.

While Combs' defense team pushed for his release to prepare for trial, they also challenged a recent search of his jail cell, which seized documents, including notes on his legal strategy.

Diddy was arrested on Sept. 16 on charges of “sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, drug possession, bribery and obstruction of justice.”

In the 14-page indictment made public by the court on Sept. 17, it was stated that Combs organized “Freak Off” parties, which sometimes lasted for days and were usually recorded, mostly in his homes and forced the people in attendance to these parties to have sexual intercourse.

The indictment also stated that Combs offered bribes to witnesses and victims to keep silent or perjure themselves.

Combs denied all of the charges against him in the federal court in Manhattan.​​​​​​​ If convicted, Combs faces a minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum of life imprisonment.