Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs performs with his new group “Diddy – Dirty Money” in Central Park, on ABC’s “Good Morning America” show, in New York, Friday, June 4, 2010. Image: AP Photo/Charles Sykes
NEW YORK — A federal appeals court judge has ruled to keep Sean “Diddy” Combs locked up while he makes a third bid for bail in his sex trafficking case, which is slated to go to trial in May.
In a decision filed Friday, Circuit Judge William J. Nardini denied the hip-hop mogul’s immediate release from jail while a three-judge panel weighs his bail request.
Article continues after this advertisementCombs’ lawyers appealed to the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Sept. 30 after two judges rejected his release.
FEATURED STORIES ENTERTAINMENT Alodia Gosiengfiao on her first pregnancy: ‘It’s a lot of work but exciting’ ENTERTAINMENT ‘Bling Empire’ star Kevin Kreider honored to join ‘Hello, Love, Again’ cast ENTERTAINMENT Loisa Andalio hopes to inspire young ones in esports film ‘Friendly Fire’Combs, 54, has been held at a federal jail in Brooklyn since his Sept. 16 arrest on charges that he used his “power and prestige” as a music star to induce female victims into drugged-up, elaborately produced sexual performances with male sex workers in events dubbed “Freak Offs.”
Combs has pleaded not guilty to racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges alleging he coerced and abused women for years with help from a network of associates and employees while silencing victims through blackmail and violence, including kidnapping, arson, and physical beatings.
Article continues after this advertisementAt a bail hearing three weeks ago, a judge rejected the defense’s $50 million bail proposal that would’ve allowed the “I’ll Be Missing You” singer to be placed under house arrest at his Florida mansion with GPS monitoring and strict limits on visitors.
Article continues after this advertisementJudge Andrew L. Carter Jr., who has since recused himself from the case, said that prosecutors had presented “clear and convincing evidence” that Combs is a danger to the community. He said “no condition or set of conditions” could guard against the risk of Combs obstructing the investigation or threatening or harming witnesses.
Article continues after this advertisementIn their appeal, Combs’ lawyers argued that the judge had “endorsed the government’s exaggerated rhetoric” and ordered Combs detained for “purely speculative reasons.”
“Indeed, hardly a risk of flight, he is a 54-year-old father of seven, a U.S. citizen, an extraordinarily successful artist, businessman, and philanthropist, and one of the most recognizable people on earth,” the lawyers wrote.
Article continues after this advertisementCombs’ lawyers have not asked the new trial judge, Arun Subramanian, to consider releasing him on bail. At a hearing Thursday, as Combs sat alongside his lawyers in a beige jail jumpsuit, Subramanian suggested he would at least be open to taking up the issue.
After setting a May 5 trial date, Subramanian briefly questioned Combs’ lawyers about his treatment at the Metropolitan Detention Center, which has been plagued by violence and dysfunction for years.
Combs lawyer Mark Agnifilo, who had previously sought to have him moved to a jail in New Jersey, told the judge: “We’re making a go of the MDC. The MDC has been very responsive to us.”
Another Combs lawyer, Anthony Ricco, told reporters outside the courthouse afterward: “He’s doing fine. It’s a difficult circumstance. He’s making the best of the situation.”
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
Butbetx24,, Ricco said: “Nobody’s OK with staying in jail for now.”
READ NEXT Showbiz Roundup: Julie Anne San Jose’s church brouhaha, Jen ... Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldana ‘reconnect’ in gender-be... EDITORS' PICK INQside Look with senatorial aspirant Tito Sotto UPDATES: 2025 elections precampaign stories Kristine gets nearer; Metro Manila, 42 other areas under Signal No. 1 Tropical Storm Kristine slightly intensifies; Signal No. 2 in 5 areas QC Mayor Belmonte highlights social services in State of City Address Marcos smiled, walked away when asked about VP Duterte’s accusation MOST READ SC issues TRO vs Comelec resolution on dismissed public officials Tropical Storm Kristine slightly intensifies; Signal No. 2 in 5 areas LIVE UPDATES: Tropical Storm Kristine Walang Pasok: Class suspensions on Wednesday, Oct. 23 View comments