Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs remains in custody after R900m bail bid falls flat
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs was convicted of prostitution-related offenses but cleared of sex trafficking and racketeering.
Image: File.
US District Court Justice Arun Subramanian has ordered that disgraced music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs remain in prison until his sentencing on October 3.
This comes after Combs's legal team proposed a $50 million (close to R900 million) bail application on Friday, July 29.
On Monday, August 4, Subramanian delivered a comprehensive ruling stating that Combs' sexual activities extend far beyond a consensual "swinging" lifestyle, instead describing the incidents involving former girlfriends Cassie Ventura and Jane Doe as being characterised by coercion and victimisation.
"While Combs may contend at sentencing that this evidence should be discounted ... The Government takes the opposite view: that Cassie Ventura and Jane were beaten, coerced, threatened, lied to and victimised by Combs,” read online reports of the court documents.
Subramanian said that Combs is also "at risk of flight or danger" if he is let out on bail.
"Increasing the amount of the bond or devising additional conditions doesn’t change the calculus given the circumstances and heavy burden of proof that Combs bears," he wrote.
Subramanian also added that even if Combs wasn't a flight risk, there are no "exceptional reasons" to let him out on bail.
Combs's ex-girlfriend, Virginia "Gina" Huynh, also submitted a letter in support of the rapper's release.
She said she does not believe Combs poses a risk to the community or her personally.
"This is his first criminal case. Throughout the investigation and proceedings, he has been cooperative, respectful and compliant.
"He has substantial ties to his family and community, including children who depend on him for emotional and financial support. Granting him a bond would allow him to continue caring for his family and fulfilling his responsibilities while still subject to the Court’s supervision," wrote Huynh.
Despite this, Subramanian maintained that the threat level from the music icon remains high.
Combs was arrested on September 16, 2024, on multiple federal charges, including accusations of orchestrating drug-fueled sex marathons involving male sex workers while he filmed the encounters.
He was found guilty on two counts of transportation for prostitution. Combs will remain behind bars until his sentencing hearing on October 3. His conviction carries the potential for up to 10 years in prison.