Diddy seeks release on $US50m bond ahead of sentencing
In a court filing regarding the $US50 million ($A77 million) bond, Combs' defence lawyer Marc Agnifilo said conditions at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn were dangerous and said defendants convicted in the past of prostitution-related charges that were similar to Combs' were usually released before their sentencing.
"Sean Combs should not be in jail for this conduct," Agnifilo wrote.
"In fact, he may be the only person currently in a United States jail for being any sort of john."
A spokesperson for the US Attorney's Office in Manhattan, which brought the charges, declined to comment.
After a six-week trial, Combs, 55, was found not guilty on July 2 of three counts of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, which carried potential life sentences.
He was convicted on two lesser charges of transportation to engage in prostitution.
Each of those counts carries a maximum 10-year sentence but prosecutors have acknowledged that federal sentencing guidelines appeared to recommend a sentence well below the statutory maximum.
Prosecutors alleged the Bad Boy Records founder used physical violence, threats and the resources of his business empire to coerce two former girlfriends to participate in days-long, drug-fuelled sexual performances with male sex workers sometimes called "freak-offs".
Combs pleaded not guilty and his lawyers argued his two girlfriends took part willingly in the encounters.
US District Judge Arun Subramanian denied Combs' initial request for release immediately after the verdict, citing the ample evidence presented at trial of violent acts he committed.
In their filing on Tuesday, Combs' lawyers said it was unusual for him to be prosecuted on the prostitution-related offences at all because he was not profiting financially from the acts of prostitution.
They also said Combs' detention since September 2024 at the MDC should qualify as an "exceptional circumstance" warranting Combs' release despite the evidence he had been violent.
Combs' lawyers have said there have been fights in his unit, and wrote on Tuesday that his safety is at risk.
A spokesperson for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, which operates MDC, said in a statement, "The BOP continually works to improve conditions at all of our institutions, to include MDC Brooklyn".
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Perth Now
3 hours ago
- Perth Now
Sean 'Diddy' Combs denied bail
Sean 'Diddy' Combs has been denied bail for a fifth time. The disgraced music mogul has been held at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center in New York since he was arrested in September 2024 on sex trafficking charges and after his legal team requested he be released until he is sentenced for two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution on 3 October, the judge has ruled he still poses a risk of "flight or danger". In documents obtained by People magazine, Judge Arun Subramanian wrote that the court must "Find by clear and convincing evidence that the person is not likely to flee or pose a danger to the safety of any other person or the community if released," but declared Combs posed a risk of "flight or danger." The judge insisted there would have to be "exceptional reasons" to warrant release, such as it being undisputed the defendant had no risk of flight or danger, or where "unique circumstances" including advanced age or "serious medical conditions" were involved. He ultimately ruled the Bad Boy Records founder "fails to satisfy his burden to demonstrate an entitlement to release." The ruling was made despite the 55-year-old star's ex-girlfriend, Virginia 'Gina' Huynh - who identified herself as "victim number three" from the rapper's trial - wrote a letter in support of his bail application. She wrote: "I am writing because I do not view Mr. Combs as a danger to me or to the community. "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 bond would allow him to continue caring for his family and fulfilling his responsibilities while still subject to the Court's supervision.' Virginia believes Diddy has become a "better person" in recent years. She went on to add: "Our relationship, like many, was not always perfect, we experienced ups and downs, and mistakes were made but he was willing to acknowledge his mistakes and make better decisions in the future. "Over the years that followed he made visible efforts to become a better person and to address the harm he had caused. By the time our relationship ended, he embodied an energy of love, patience and gentleness that was markedly different from his past behavior. "To my knowledge, he has not been violent for many years, and he has been committed to being a father first.' Combs' lawyers had asked for him to be released on a $50 million bond. The I'll Be Missing You hitmaker - who was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges - faces up to 20 years in prison.
The Advertiser
10 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Judge denies Diddy's pre-sentencing release from jail
Sean "Diddy" Combs has lost his bid to be released from jail ahead of his October 3 sentencing, despite a jury having found the hip-hop mogul not guilty of the most serious charges at his sex crimes trial. Combs' lawyers had asked US District Judge Arun Subramanian on July 29 to release Combs on $US50 million ($A77 million) bond, saying conditions at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn were dangerous and other defendants convicted of prostitution-related charges similar to Combs' were usually released before sentencing. In a written ruling on Monday, the judge said Combs' arguments "might have traction in a case that didn't involve evidence of violence, coercion or subjugation in connection with the acts of prostitution at issue, but the record here contains evidence of all three". Subramanian said his decision did not foreshadow what sentence he might impose against Combs, who has been jailed at the MDC since his September 2024 arrest. Combs' lawyers did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Prosecutors with the Manhattan US Attorney's office in an August 1 filing said staffing, medical services and conditions at the MDC had improved since Combs' arrest, and evidence of Combs' physical violence presented at trial showed he remained a danger to the community. Combs, 55, was found not guilty on July 2 of three counts of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, and convicted on two lesser charges of transportation to engage in prostitution. Prosecutors alleged Combs forced two former girlfriends to participate in days-long, drug-fuelled sexual performances with male sex workers sometimes called "freak-offs." Defence lawyers said the women were willing participants. Each prostitution charge carries a maximum 10-year sentence, but prosecutors have acknowledged that federal sentencing guidelines appear to recommend a sentence of at most five years and three months total. Combs, the founder of Bad Boy Records, pleaded not guilty to all counts. The trial lasted seven weeks. Subramanian denied Combs' initial request for release immediately after the verdict, citing the ample evidence presented at trial of violent acts he committed. Sean "Diddy" Combs has lost his bid to be released from jail ahead of his October 3 sentencing, despite a jury having found the hip-hop mogul not guilty of the most serious charges at his sex crimes trial. Combs' lawyers had asked US District Judge Arun Subramanian on July 29 to release Combs on $US50 million ($A77 million) bond, saying conditions at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn were dangerous and other defendants convicted of prostitution-related charges similar to Combs' were usually released before sentencing. In a written ruling on Monday, the judge said Combs' arguments "might have traction in a case that didn't involve evidence of violence, coercion or subjugation in connection with the acts of prostitution at issue, but the record here contains evidence of all three". Subramanian said his decision did not foreshadow what sentence he might impose against Combs, who has been jailed at the MDC since his September 2024 arrest. Combs' lawyers did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Prosecutors with the Manhattan US Attorney's office in an August 1 filing said staffing, medical services and conditions at the MDC had improved since Combs' arrest, and evidence of Combs' physical violence presented at trial showed he remained a danger to the community. Combs, 55, was found not guilty on July 2 of three counts of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, and convicted on two lesser charges of transportation to engage in prostitution. Prosecutors alleged Combs forced two former girlfriends to participate in days-long, drug-fuelled sexual performances with male sex workers sometimes called "freak-offs." Defence lawyers said the women were willing participants. Each prostitution charge carries a maximum 10-year sentence, but prosecutors have acknowledged that federal sentencing guidelines appear to recommend a sentence of at most five years and three months total. Combs, the founder of Bad Boy Records, pleaded not guilty to all counts. The trial lasted seven weeks. Subramanian denied Combs' initial request for release immediately after the verdict, citing the ample evidence presented at trial of violent acts he committed. Sean "Diddy" Combs has lost his bid to be released from jail ahead of his October 3 sentencing, despite a jury having found the hip-hop mogul not guilty of the most serious charges at his sex crimes trial. Combs' lawyers had asked US District Judge Arun Subramanian on July 29 to release Combs on $US50 million ($A77 million) bond, saying conditions at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn were dangerous and other defendants convicted of prostitution-related charges similar to Combs' were usually released before sentencing. In a written ruling on Monday, the judge said Combs' arguments "might have traction in a case that didn't involve evidence of violence, coercion or subjugation in connection with the acts of prostitution at issue, but the record here contains evidence of all three". Subramanian said his decision did not foreshadow what sentence he might impose against Combs, who has been jailed at the MDC since his September 2024 arrest. Combs' lawyers did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Prosecutors with the Manhattan US Attorney's office in an August 1 filing said staffing, medical services and conditions at the MDC had improved since Combs' arrest, and evidence of Combs' physical violence presented at trial showed he remained a danger to the community. Combs, 55, was found not guilty on July 2 of three counts of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, and convicted on two lesser charges of transportation to engage in prostitution. Prosecutors alleged Combs forced two former girlfriends to participate in days-long, drug-fuelled sexual performances with male sex workers sometimes called "freak-offs." Defence lawyers said the women were willing participants. Each prostitution charge carries a maximum 10-year sentence, but prosecutors have acknowledged that federal sentencing guidelines appear to recommend a sentence of at most five years and three months total. Combs, the founder of Bad Boy Records, pleaded not guilty to all counts. The trial lasted seven weeks. Subramanian denied Combs' initial request for release immediately after the verdict, citing the ample evidence presented at trial of violent acts he committed. Sean "Diddy" Combs has lost his bid to be released from jail ahead of his October 3 sentencing, despite a jury having found the hip-hop mogul not guilty of the most serious charges at his sex crimes trial. Combs' lawyers had asked US District Judge Arun Subramanian on July 29 to release Combs on $US50 million ($A77 million) bond, saying conditions at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn were dangerous and other defendants convicted of prostitution-related charges similar to Combs' were usually released before sentencing. In a written ruling on Monday, the judge said Combs' arguments "might have traction in a case that didn't involve evidence of violence, coercion or subjugation in connection with the acts of prostitution at issue, but the record here contains evidence of all three". Subramanian said his decision did not foreshadow what sentence he might impose against Combs, who has been jailed at the MDC since his September 2024 arrest. Combs' lawyers did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Prosecutors with the Manhattan US Attorney's office in an August 1 filing said staffing, medical services and conditions at the MDC had improved since Combs' arrest, and evidence of Combs' physical violence presented at trial showed he remained a danger to the community. Combs, 55, was found not guilty on July 2 of three counts of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, and convicted on two lesser charges of transportation to engage in prostitution. Prosecutors alleged Combs forced two former girlfriends to participate in days-long, drug-fuelled sexual performances with male sex workers sometimes called "freak-offs." Defence lawyers said the women were willing participants. Each prostitution charge carries a maximum 10-year sentence, but prosecutors have acknowledged that federal sentencing guidelines appear to recommend a sentence of at most five years and three months total. Combs, the founder of Bad Boy Records, pleaded not guilty to all counts. The trial lasted seven weeks. Subramanian denied Combs' initial request for release immediately after the verdict, citing the ample evidence presented at trial of violent acts he committed.
9 News
11 hours ago
- 9 News
Sean 'Diddy' Combs is denied release on bond to await sentencing
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here Sean 'Diddy' Combs can't go home from jail to await sentencing on his prostitution-related conviction, a judge said Monday, denying the rap and style mogul's latest bid for bail. Combs has been behind bars since his September arrest. He faced federal charges of coercing girlfriends into having drug-fueled sex marathons with male sex workers while he watched and filmed them. He was acquitted last month of the top charges — racketeering and sex trafficking — while being convicted of two counts of a prostitution-related offence. In this courtroom sketch, Sean "Diddy" Combs reacts after he was convicted of prostitution-related offenses but acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have put him behind bars for life, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Manhattan federal court in New York. (Elizabeth Williams via AP) (AP) In denying Combs' $USD50 million bond proposal, Judge Arun Subramanian said the hip hop impresario had failed to prove that he did not pose a risk of flight or danger, adding that the record did not show an 'exceptional circumstance' that would justify his release after a conviction that otherwise requires detention. Combs' arguments 'might have traction in a case that didn't involve evidence of violence, coercion, or subjugation in connection with the acts of prostitution at issue, but the record here contains evidence of all three,' the judge wrote. Messages seeking comment were sent to prosecutors and one of Combs' lawyers. The conviction carries the potential for up to 10 years in prison. But there are complicated federal guidelines for calculating sentences in any given case, and prosecutors and Combs' lawyers disagree substantially on how the guidelines come out for his case. Cassie Ventura, left, and Sean "Diddy" Combs appear at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. (Charles Sykes/Invision/AP) The guidelines aren't mandatory, and Subramanian will have wide latitude in deciding Combs' punishment. The Bad Boy Records founder, now 55, was for decades a protean figure in pop culture. A Grammy-winning hip hop artist and entrepreneur with a flair for finding and launching big talents, he presided over a business empire that ranged from fashion to reality TV. Prosecutors claimed he used his fame, wealth and violence to force and manipulate two now-ex-girlfriends into days-long, drugged-up sexual performances he called 'freak-offs' or 'hotel nights.' His lawyers argued that the government tried to criminalise consensual, if unconventional, sexual tastes that played out in complicated relationships. The defence acknowledged that Combs had violent outbursts but said nothing he did amounted to the crimes with which he was charged. Sean "Diddy" Combs, pictured in 2017, was accused of sexual battery by a woman who claims that in September 2016 the music producer dangled her from a 17-story balcony as others were on site, including his former girlfriend Cassie Ventura. (Lucas Jackson/Reuters/File via CNN Newsource) Since the verdict, his lawyers have repeatedly renewed their efforts to get him out on bail until his sentencing, set for October. They have argued that the acquittals undercut the rationale for holding him, and they have pointed to other people who were released before sentencing on similar convictions. Defence lawyer Marc Agnifilo suggested in a court filing that Combs was the United States' 'only person in jail for hiring adult male escorts for him and his girlfriend.' The defense's most recent proposal included the $50 million bond, plus travel restrictions, and expressed openness to adding on house arrest at his Miami home, electronic monitoring, private security guards and other requirements. Prosecutors opposed releasing Combs. They wrote that his 'extensive history of violence — and his continued attempt to minimise his recent violent conduct — demonstrates his dangerousness and that he is not amenable to supervision.' Sign up here to receive our daily newsletters and breaking news alerts, sent straight to your inbox. World celebrity entertainment Sean Diddy Combs CONTACT US
