For the third time, lawyers for Sean “Diddy” Combs appeared in court Friday, urging a judge to release the hip-hop mogul on bail while he awaits trial on sex trafficking charges.
Despite their efforts, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian postponed his decision until next week, asking both sides to submit further arguments by Monday.
Defense Proposes Strict House Arrest
Combs’ legal team proposed that he await trial under 24/7 surveillance at either his Miami Beach mansion or, after the judge raised concerns, an Upper East Side apartment in Manhattan. Their $50 million bail proposal, backed by Combs’ Florida property, included near-total restrictions on his movements and communications, limiting him to contact only with his lawyers.
Defense attorney Anthony Ricco argued these conditions would effectively neutralize any risk, saying, “It would be impossible for him not to follow rules.”
However, prosecutors painted a starkly different picture, asserting that Combs’ release would pose a danger to the community and risk obstruction of justice. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik accused Combs of flouting jail rules, interfering with witnesses, and attempting to taint the jury pool, stating, “This amounts to the defendant paying his way out of custody.”
Allegations of Misconduct Behind Bars
Prosecutors claim Combs has used his time at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn to orchestrate social media campaigns aimed at influencing jurors and leaking materials to support his case. Slavik argued that Combs’ actions prove he “cannot be trusted” to adhere to any conditions of release.
Combs, who has pleaded not guilty to charges including coercion, abuse, kidnapping, and arson, has been held at the detention center for 67 days since his September arrest. His trial is scheduled to begin on May 5.
Previous Rulings and Contested Evidence
Two prior judges have denied bail, citing Combs’ potential danger to the community. An appeals court judge also recently refused to grant his immediate release while a three-judge panel reviews his bail request.
At Friday’s hearing, defense lawyers sought to weaken the prosecution’s case, particularly regarding a key piece of evidence: a March 2016 video allegedly showing Combs assaulting his then-girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie, during a “Freak Off” event. Prosecutors allege these events involved Combs coercing women into drug-fueled sexual performances. Slavik contended that Combs paid hotel staff $100,000 to destroy the original video, calling it part of a broader pattern of abuse.
Defense attorneys, however, argued that the video, which aired on CNN earlier this year, depicts a consensual relationship taken out of context. They claim new evidence refutes the allegations surrounding the recording.
Combs’ Courtroom Appearance
During Friday’s hearing, Combs appeared in a beige jail uniform without handcuffs, occasionally reviewing documents with reading glasses. He greeted his family, including his mother and children, with a hand over his heart and blown kisses as he entered the courtroom.
What’s Next?
Judge Subramanian is expected to rule promptly after receiving additional filings on Monday. If released, Combs would face strict conditions of house arrest. However, prosecutors maintain that no bail conditions can mitigate the risks posed by his alleged actions and influence.
“This is a case about violence,” Slavik concluded. “The defendant has engaged in physical, sexual, and emotional abuse of his romantic partners for years. He’s hit. He’s kicked. He’s dragged.”
The court’s forthcoming decision will mark a pivotal moment in the high-profile case, which continues to draw intense public scrutiny.
