Rap Mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs Stays in Jail Ahead of Trial

Sean "Diddy" Combs will remain behind bars until his trial, as a federal judge has denied his request for a $50 million bail package. The judge, Arun Subramanian, believes that no conditions can guarantee the safety of the community. The decision was based on Combs' alleged history of violence, including using firearms and arson to intimidate victims and witnesses. Additionally, there is evidence suggesting that he's tried to hide communications with people he's not allowed to contact. The judge pointed out that the government has direct evidence of Combs' violent behavior, such as a 2016 video showing him assaulting his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in a Los Angeles hotel. Text messages between the two also indicated that she was severely injured. Combs argued that the evidence doesn't support the charge of sex trafficking, but the judge found compelling evidence of his propensity for violence. The court also noted that Combs may try to tamper with witnesses. For instance, he deleted messages with Ventura, who was subpoenaed to testify, and used other inmates' phone access codes to contact people he wasn't supposed to talk to. Prosecutors alleged that Combs violated prison rules to hide his communications and even coerced his family to write public birthday messages to influence potential jurors. Combs' defense team, however, claimed that prosecutors improperly seized attorney-client privileged material from his jail cell. The rap mogul has been accused of leading a vast criminal enterprise where he allegedly assaulted and trafficked women with the help of his businesses. Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His trial is set for May 5, 2025.