Sean ‘Diddy' Combs remains in custody after R900m bail bid falls flat
Image: File.
US District Court Justice Arun Subramanian has ordered that disgraced music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs remain in prison until his sentencing on October 3.
This comes after Combs's legal team proposed a $50 million (close to R900 million) bail application on Friday, July 29.
On Monday, August 4, Subramanian delivered a comprehensive ruling stating that Combs' sexual activities extend far beyond a consensual "swinging" lifestyle, instead describing the incidents involving former girlfriends Cassie Ventura and Jane Doe as being characterised by coercion and victimisation.
"While Combs may contend at sentencing that this evidence should be discounted ... The Government takes the opposite view: that Cassie Ventura and Jane were beaten, coerced, threatened, lied to and victimised by Combs,' read online reports of the court documents.
Subramanian said that Combs is also "at risk of flight or danger" if he is let out on bail.
"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," he wrote.
Subramanian also added that even if Combs wasn't a flight risk, there are no "exceptional reasons" to let him out on bail.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Combs's ex-girlfriend, Virginia "Gina" Huynh, also submitted a letter in support of the rapper's release.
She said she does not believe Combs poses a risk to the community or her personally.
"This is his first criminal case. Throughout the investigation and proceedings, he has been cooperative, respectful and compliant.
"He has substantial ties to his family and community, including children who depend on him for emotional and financial support. Granting him a bond would allow him to continue caring for his family and fulfilling his responsibilities while still subject to the Court's supervision," wrote Huynh.
Despite this, Subramanian maintained that the threat level from the music icon remains high.
Combs was arrested on September 16, 2024, on multiple federal charges, including accusations of orchestrating drug-fueled sex marathons involving male sex workers while he filmed the encounters.
He was found guilty on two counts of transportation for prostitution. Combs will remain behind bars until his sentencing hearing on October 3. His conviction carries the potential for up to 10 years in prison.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
WhatsApp is curbing scam networks by banning millions of malicious accounts
WhatsApp is removing millions of malicious accounts and launching enhanced in-app safety tools to fight fraud and deception. Image: Freepik WhatsApp has ramped up its global efforts to combat criminal scam networks, removing millions of malicious accounts and launching enhanced in-app safety tools to safeguard users from fraud and deception. The tech giant revealed that over the past six months, it proactively identified and banned more than 6.8 million accounts tied to criminal scam syndicates. These swift actions halted scammers before they could roll out their fraudulent schemes, safeguarding millions of users from potential harm. In 2023, former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela fell victim to a WhatsApp scam. On June 7, she revealed on X (formerly known as Twitter) that both she and a friend lost thousands of rand after a scammer took over the WhatsApp account of a mutual friend to trick them. 'He was pretending to be that friend. It was only when the scammer became so greedy and brazen that my son and I figured out the scam and warned other friends. WhatsApp ID theft or hacking is real,' she tweeted. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ WhatsApp highlighted that scammers usually work from criminal scam centres running various schemes simultaneously, such as fraudulent cryptocurrency investments and pyramid schemes. They often ask for upfront payments to guarantee returns, which serves as a major warning sign. These scams start on platforms like dating apps or through texts, then shift to social media, messaging apps like WhatsApp, and finally to payment or crypto platforms. 'This multi-platform approach is designed to evade detection by individual services, making comprehensive disruption more challenging.' Kojo Boakye, Meta's Vice President of Public Policy for Africa, the Middle East, and Türkiye, highlighted that combating scams is an ongoing challenge. He stated that they are continuously improving their security measures to stay one step ahead of malicious actors. "This is part of our unwavering commitment to protect our users, not just by banning malicious accounts, but by empowering individuals with the tools and knowledge they need to recognise and avoid these sophisticated threats. We believe that a safer messaging environment is built through a combination of robust technology, proactive detection, and user education," he said. The company also highlighted a recent example of cross-industry teamwork, where WhatsApp, Meta, and OpenAI worked together to dismantle a scam ring based in Cambodia. The group exploited ChatGPT to craft initial messages that guided victims to WhatsApp, before swiftly shifting them to Telegram. There, victims were instructed to like videos on TikTok and were ultimately pressured into depositing funds into cryptocurrency accounts. In light of emerging threats, WhatsApp is introducing new anti-scam tools alongside its efforts to dismantle scam operations. These features are specifically designed to defend users against common scam techniques: Group Messaging: A new safety overview will now appear when a user is added to an unfamiliar group by someone not in their contacts. This overview provides key group information and safety tips, allowing users to exit the group without viewing the chat. Notifications from such groups will be silenced until the user explicitly chooses to engage. Individual Messaging: WhatsApp is testing new approaches to caution users before they engage with unknown contacts. This includes providing additional context about the sender when initiating a chat with someone not in their contacts, enabling users to make informed decisions. Furthermore, WhatsApp encourages users to adopt a 'Pause, Question, Verify' approach when faced with suspicious messages. The strategy includes taking a moment to assess the sender's identity, questioning the legitimacy of the request, and verifying the information through alternate communication channels. Late last year, in 2024, the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) issued a warning to the public about fraudulent WhatsApp messages circulating across the country. The Department of Social Development entity cautioned people to be vigilant against fake messages containing Sassa OTP codes sent through WhatsApp. Sassa clarified that it does not send OTP codes for the Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant via WhatsApp, and they urged anyone receiving such messages to be wary, as these are likely scams. The Social Security Agency (SASSA) issued a warning about fraudulent WhatsApp messages. Image: Screenshot. Former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela fell victim to a WhatsApp scam. Image: Screenshot.
IOL News
6 hours ago
- IOL News
Laila Ali goes from the ring to the kitchen as the host of 'Chef Grudge Match'
Boxing champion Laila Ali is stepping into the ring once again, this time to host Food Network's "Chef Grudge Match". Image: Instagram. Boxing legend Laila Ali is stepping into the kitchen, trading her gloves for an apron as the host of Food Network's upcoming series, "Chef Grudge Match". The cooking competition will take viewers on a culinary battle where elite chefs come to settle long-standing disputes and bitter rivalries. Boxing champion Laila Ali also shares gardening tips and recipes on her Instagram. Image: Supplied. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Set to premiere on Tuesday, August 19, sous chefs wronged by their mentors to restaurateurs defending their turf against copycat rivals, each episode will showcase chefs putting their prized knives and reputations on the line for a chance to win $10 000 (R178 000), their opponent's most cherished knife and ultimate bragging rights. "I'm thrilled to be joining the Food Network family. As someone who's always been passionate about both competition and delicious food, 'Chef Grudge Match' is the perfect fit. From the ring to the kitchen, I've never shied away from a challenge, and now I get to have fun while bringing that same intensity to a show where culinary rivalries are settled once and for all," shared Ali. The show's premiere episode will feature a fiery confrontation between Italian chef Gabe Bertaccini and his former protégé, Tyler Romine. Betrayed by Romine's sudden departure from his catering business, Bertaccini has harboured a 15-year grudge that is set to boil over in the kitchen. The second match showcases chef Taylor Frankel from Vail, Colorado, who has a bone to pick with her former Sous chef, Maria Busato, after she opened a rival catering company in the same small town. "Throughout the eight-episode season, viewers can expect heated battles over business disputes, recipe rivalries, student-teacher conflicts and even husband versus wife showdowns, all taking place in front of a live studio audience with the electric atmosphere of a boxing match," shared the channel. Aside from Ali, resident judge Jet Tila will be joined by an impressive roster of guest judges, including culinary heavyweights like Eric Adjepong, Maneet Chauhan and Tiffani Faison, among others, adding their expert insights to the fierce competition. Chef Taylor Frankel. Image: Instagram. Betsy Ayala, head of Content, Food, Warner Bros. Discovery, said: "With reputations and livelihoods on the line, competition in the food world has heightened stakes, which have produced legendary grudges and rivalries. "'Chef Grudge Match' brings these grievances to a head in front of a studio audience, with all the energy of a live boxing match, and Laila Ali is the perfect ringmaster to oversee these battles for ultimate bragging rights." • 'Chef Grudge Match' premieres on Tuesday, August 19, at 5pm on Food Network Africa (DStv channel 175).
IOL News
10 hours ago
- IOL News
How to protect yourself from tax scams this Sars filing season
With tax season upon us, the Southern African Fraud Prevention Service warns of a surge in scams targeting unsuspecting taxpayers. Image: File photo. The Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS) has issued a stern warning to the public, urging greater vigilance during the tax season. According to the SAFPS, tax filing season in South Africa is traditionally viewed as a period of economic accountability and fiscal discipline. It offers individuals the opportunity to realign their financial affairs and contribute to the nation's revenue system. Yet, beneath this routine of compliance, a darker threat is emerging—an alarming spike in digital fraud targeting unsuspecting taxpayers. The SAFPS says with the South African Revenue Service (Sars) rolling out pre-assessments to simplify submissions, fraudsters are leveraging this convenience to orchestrate increasingly sophisticated scams that mimic official Sars communication. SAFPS CEO Manie van Schalkwyk says: "Fraudsters are exceptionally active during this period, and taxpayers must stay alert to the latest tactics being used to steal personal data and funds". Van Schalkwyk says that scammers often impersonate Sars officials in a bid to manipulate victims into voluntarily handing over sensitive information or making fraudulent payments. 'There are a few scam tactics that the public should be aware of to protect themselves,' he says. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Phishing Emails and SMSs Phishing remains a dominant tactic, with scammers sending convincing emails and text messages designed to resemble legitimate Sars correspondence. These messages frequently include links to bogus websites where personal details are solicited. "Our brains are conditioned to gloss over subtle differences unless we're actively scanning for them. This is exactly what makes these tactics so dangerous," says Van Schalkwyk. Fraudsters may alter a single character in a hyperlink, replacing 'South Africa' with 'South Afrìca,' for example, to trick users into clicking. These links often redirect users to malicious websites that compromise personal data under the guise of verifying banking details, issuing refunds, or auditing returns. 'The email may say it's from Sars and look realistic, however, if you look at the actual email address, it is not an official Sars email address. Scammers can change the display name to appear as Sars, and if you are not concentrating, you could click on the link or action the request due to fear. Carefully examine the sender's email address, and if it does not include @ – it is likely a scam," he says. Impersonation of Sars Official Van Schalkwyk says the growing prevalence of impersonation scams, where con artists initiate direct contact claiming to be Sars representatives. He says these criminals often deploy urgency and panic to gain trust, warning taxpayers of supposed errors or potential fines. "It is important to note that an official Sars representative will never ask for this information," he says. Their endgame? Extracting tax numbers, ID numbers, or login details under the guise of offering assistance. eFiling profile hijacking Another disturbing trend is the hijacking of eFiling profiles. Fraudsters exploit personal information to access legitimate profiles, change banking details, and reroute refund payments into fraudulent accounts. These cases reflect a more sophisticated form of identity theft linked to previous, seemingly legitimate Sars interactions, says Van Schalkwyk. One reported victim, a 68-year-old taxpayer, lost R37,000 after his refund was paid into an account fraudulently created under his name. Despite providing accurate banking information during his filing appointment, the payment was diverted. Similar incidents across multiple banks have highlighted the scale and complexity of this crime, he says. Fraudulent letters of demand Sars has flagged a surge in fake letters purporting to be from Sars attorneys, demanding urgent payments to illegitimate accounts. These communications, while official-looking, are designed to elicit panic-driven financial transfers and prey on taxpayer confusion. Stay safe: cybersecurity tips from SAFPS In light of these dangers, SAFPS urges taxpayers to adopt robust security measures and remain alert to red flags: Never share your eFiling username or password. Do not disclose banking details, PINs, or card info via email or SMS. Sars will never request this. Verify payment instructions carefully. Use your secure eFiling profile or check Sars-approved banking channels. All major banks list Sars as a preloaded beneficiary. Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails, SMSs, or WhatsApp messages. Use the official Sars website and verified channels. Enable multi-factor authentication and avoid transacting over public Wi-Fi. Be cautious of communications that induce panic or urgency. This is a common tactic used to bypass rational scrutiny. "Proactive awareness is the strongest defence against digital fraud during this critical financial period," says Van Schalkwyk. Taxpayers who suspect their refunds have been compromised should act immediately by: Contacting their bank to freeze any unauthorised transactions. Reporting the incident to Sars. Opening a case with the South African Police Service (SAPS). Logging the complaint with SAFPS via PERSONAL FINANCE
