NEW YORK — Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team made a third attempt on Friday to secure his release from jail while he awaits trial for allegations related to sex trafficking, but the judge has announced that a ruling on this request will not be made until next week.
During a court hearing, Judge Arun Subramanian indicated that he will issue a decision regarding Combs’ bail after both the defense and federal prosecutors provide written arguments addressing unresolved concerns. These documents are to be submitted by noon on Monday.
The lawyers representing Combs proposed that he be allowed to remain under constant surveillance either at his residence on an island near Miami or, after the judge expressed skepticism about that option, at an apartment located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
Essentially, their proposal would place Combs under house arrest, enforcing strict limitations on his communications. However, prosecutors counter that Combs has a history of disregarding jail regulations and cannot be relied upon to refrain from tampering with witnesses or the judicial process.
Anthony Ricco, one of Combs’ attorneys, defended his client by stating, “The notion that he is a lawless individual who does not adhere to directives is misleading.” He added that the portrayal of Combs as someone who is uncontrollable and requires detention is inaccurate.
At 55 years old, Combs has pleaded not guilty to serious charges alleging that he coerced and mistreated women over many years with the assistance of a network of associates and employees. The accusations include silencing victims through means such as blackmail, violence, kidnapping, arson, and physical abuse. His trial is set to commence on May 5.
Currently, Combs is incarcerated at a federal facility in Brooklyn, where he celebrated his birthday on November 4.
Previously, two judges determined that Combs would pose a danger to the community if released, and last month, an appeals court judge denied his request for immediate release as a three-judge panel from the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals considers the bail application.
This hearing marked the second time Combs appeared in court this week. Earlier, on Tuesday, a judge ruled against allowing prosecutors to use documents collected from his cell during a comprehensive sweep for contraband and weapons at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
As he entered the courtroom through a side door, Combs acknowledged family members, including his mother and several children, with hand gestures and air kisses. He shared an embrace with his lead lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, before taking his position at the defense table.
Combs was not restrained and wore a beige prison uniform, occasionally removing reading glasses to look at documents spread before him.
Prosecutors argue that the proposed bail conditions would not lessen what they describe as “the risk of obstruction and danger to others” should Combs be released.
According to them, the artist known for “I’ll Be Missing You” has been orchestrating campaigns on social media aimed at swaying the jury pool while in custody. They further claim he has attempted to leak information that he believes could benefit his case and has been communicating with potential witnesses through third parties.
“Simply put, the defendant cannot be trusted,” remarked Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik.
In response, Combs’ attorney Teny Geragos argued that considering the stringent conditions proposed for his release, it would be nearly impossible for Combs not to comply with the rules.