Sean “Diddy” Combs will remain behind bars after a judge denied him bail following his conviction on charges of transporting individuals for prostitution. The hip-hop mogul, however, was acquitted of the more severe charges of racketeering and sex trafficking, which carry potential life sentences.
During the nearly two-month federal trial in New York, prosecutors painted Combs as the ringleader of a criminal enterprise that used his music empire to exploit women. The jury deliberated for 13 hours before clearing him of the most serious accusations. Despite that, Judge Arun Subramanian denied Combs’ bail, citing his past violent conduct, particularly in personal relationships.
“Bail is being denied because the defence conceded violence in his personal relationship,” the judge stated. This followed a passionate plea from Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, who argued that his client had voluntarily enrolled in a domestic violence program and had not exhibited violent behavior since 2018. “I just think we should trust him,” Agnifilo said in court.
However, Combs’ former partner, musician Casandra Ventura, submitted a compelling letter warning the court that he would pose a danger to her and other victims if released. Ventura had taken the stand during the trial while pregnant, detailing how Combs allegedly coerced her into sex acts and threatened her with explicit recordings.
A key piece of evidence was a 2016 surveillance video showing Combs beating and dragging Ventura in a Los Angeles hotel. Witnesses testified that Combs attempted to bribe hotel staff to destroy the footage.
While the jury could not reach a unanimous decision on the racketeering charge, Combs was convicted of transporting women for prostitution, a charge that carries a sentence of up to 20 years. Sentencing is tentatively set for October 3, and he will remain in federal custody in Brooklyn, where he has been held since September.
The rapper, who rose to prominence in the 1990s with Bad Boy Records, is also facing multiple civil lawsuits involving sexual assault and violence, potentially compounding his legal troubles.
