Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Denied Bail After Guilty Verdict in Federal Criminal Trial
Sean “Diddy” Combs, one of the most influential figures in the music industry, has been denied bail after a federal jury convicted him on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Though acquitted of the more serious charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, Combs still faces a potential 20-year prison sentence, with each count carrying a maximum of 10 years.
In court Wednesday, Judge Arun Subramanian emphasized Combs’ “propensity for violence” and “disregard for the rule of law” as key reasons for keeping him in custody ahead of sentencing. The judge noted that even after being under investigation, Combs engaged in further “illegal conduct,” reinforcing concerns about public safety if he were released.
“Violence Was Admitted,” Judge Tells Defense
During a tense bail hearing, Judge Subramanian cited Combs’ own legal team’s acknowledgment of violence in his personal relationships with women like Cassie Ventura and “Jane.” The judge referenced the defense’s closing statements, which included a “full-throated” admission of past abuse, even while maintaining that these were domestic incidents, not crimes.
Despite defense attorney Marc Agnifilo’s insistence that Combs was not convicted of a violent crime, the judge was firm: “Domestic violence is violence. And this case involved violence.” Subramanian added that Combs’ history, combined with his vast wealth and influence, made him a flight risk and a danger to witnesses and victims.
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Victims’ Letters and Testimony May Have Influenced Decision
A letter submitted to the court by Cassie Ventura’s lawyer asked the judge to deny Combs bail. The letter claimed Combs remained a threat to victims, and legal experts believe it may have strongly influenced the judge’s ruling. Victims’ rights attorney Gloria Allred also raised alarms ahead of the hearing, saying survivors were “very much afraid” of Combs being released.
Legal analyst Stacy Schneider commented that the judge “can’t unhear the testimony,” referring to shocking courtroom evidence, including the so-called “Freak Offs”— drug-fueled sex parties allegedly orchestrated by Combs.
Prosecutor Maurene Comey described Combs as “an extremely violent man with an extraordinarily dangerous temper” who showed “no remorse and no regret.” She opposed any leniency, emphasizing the severity of the crimes and the psychological toll on the victims.
Defense Claims Victory Despite Guilty Counts
Outside the courtroom, Combs’ attorneys painted a dramatically different picture. Marc Agnifilo called the verdict a “great victory” for Combs, noting that the jury rejected the government’s most serious allegations. “This is a win,” he said, adding that the jury “got the situation right — or at least right enough.”
Attorney Teny Geragos also defended Combs, insisting that he had not sexually assaulted anyone, and blaming the media for two years of what she called misinformation. “He has not sex trafficked anybody, and the jury found that today,” she told reporters.
The defense team argued for Combs’ release on a $1 million bond, but Judge Subramanian dismissed the proposal, stating that Combs’ past actions and conduct during the investigation proved he could not be trusted on bail.
Emotional Courtroom Moments and Public Reaction
In a dramatic scene following the verdict, Combs reportedly blew kisses to his family and told them, “I love you all. Be strong. I’ll see you when I get out.” His family, including his mother Janice Combs, sons, and daughters, were present in court, with some supporters outside wearing shirts that read “A Freako is not a R.I.C.O”, referencing the racketeering charge Combs beat.
As Combs was led out of the courtroom, he reportedly clapped in defiance, prompting some supporters to cheer. But others gathered outside expressed outrage, including a group that sprayed baby oil — a disturbing reference to one of the substances mentioned repeatedly in the trial’s most graphic testimonies.
Attorney Lisa Bloom, who represents singer Dawn Richard, another alleged victim, called the split verdict “a disappointment,” but promised continued legal action in the ongoing civil cases.
Sentencing Hearing Scheduled for October 3
Judge Subramanian scheduled a remote hearing next week to discuss Combs’ sentencing, though the defense asked to expedite the timeline. They even offered to waive the pre-sentencing investigation, but prosecutors objected, saying the court still lacked sufficient information due to the complexity of the case.
While the judge floated a possible October 3 sentencing date, the defense hopes to move it sooner. If the current convictions stand, Combs could be behind bars for up to 20 years, a dramatic downfall for the hip-hop mogul once hailed as a pioneer in both music and fashion.
Combs’ team maintains that “he’ll get his life back,” but victims’ advocates argue that justice must prioritize those whose lives were shattered by his actions.
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