Sean 'Diddy' Combs denied bail after $50 million bond request
U.S. District Court Judge Arun Subramanian, who presided over Combs' landmark sex-trafficking trial in Manhattan court, denied Combs' renewed attempt in an order filed Monday, Aug. 4. Combs' attorneys asked the judge in a July 29 filing to release Combs on the multimillion-dollar bond and allow him to live in his Miami mansion — instead of the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn — as he awaits sentencing.
Subramanian said in the order that the embattled hip-hop mogul, who was convicted in July on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, has failed to "meet his burden by clear and convincing evidence" of demonstrating that he won't be a danger to the public, or flee, if released.
The judge also cited his recent ruling that denied Combs' immediate release after the conclusion of his criminal trial on July 2, which highlighted Combs' past history of domestic violence.
"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," Subramanian wrote.
At the time of his July 2 order requiring Combs to remain in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center, Subramanian referenced the testimony of Combs' anonymous ex-girlfriend "Jane," which included harrowing claims that Combs choked and dragged her during an argument in June 2024, when Combs was aware of the active federal investigation into his conduct.
Subramanian also noted that Combs' team admitted, "We own the domestic violence," regarding Combs' other ex, R&B singer Casandra "Cassie" Ventura Fine, and her allegations of long-term abuse. "It is impossible for the defendant to demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that he poses no danger," Subramanian explained.
Combs' latest bail denial comes after the Grammy-winning rapper filed another request with the court contesting his trial verdict, which also saw Combs be acquitted on top charges of racketeering and sex trafficking.
Diddy requests overturn of conviction or new trial
In the July 30 motion, Combs' attorneys asked the court to either overturn his conviction or grant him a new trial, according to legal documents reviewed by USA TODAY.
The Bad Boy Records founder's legal team once again argued that use of the Mann Act (aka the White-Slave Traffic Act), which makes it illegal to transport people across state or international lines for the purpose of prostitution, "in these circumstances is unprecedented" and raises concerns about "discriminatory enforcement."
"Mr. Combs, at most, paid to engage in voyeurism as part of a 'swingers' lifestyle. That does not constitute 'prostitution' under a properly limited definition of the statutory term," Combs' team wrote.
In the Aug. 4 order, Judge Subramanian referenced Combs' lawyers' argument but noted past evidence presented on the rapper's physical and sexual abuse of exes "Jane" and Ventura Fine.
"Combs may contend at sentencing that this evidence should be discounted and that what happened was nothing more than a case of willing 'swingers' utilizing the voluntary services of escorts for their mutual pleasure," Subramanian wrote.
But "the government takes the opposite view," he added. "That Cassie Ventura and Jane were beaten, coerced, threatened, lied to, and victimized by Combs as part of their participation in these events."
(This story has been updated to add new information.)
Contributing: Jay Stahl, KiMi Robinson, Aysha Bagchi and Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Diddy bond: Sean Combs denied bail again after $50M request
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