Sean 'Diddy' Combs Denied Release on Bail After Mogul Was Acquitted of Most Serious Charges
The decision to keep the fallen hip-hop mogul locked up in a Brooklyn federal prison comes after a surprise split verdict announced Wednesday that saw the rapper and mogul convicted of the lesser two of five charges in a federal indictment that brought one of the most sensational trials in years to a lower Manhattan courthouse.
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What the Hell Happened With the Sean "Diddy" Combs Verdict?
After the verdict was read Wednesday, Combs' lead defense attorney told the court Combs should be freed today, given that he was no longer under indictment for the major crimes the government said he committed. Prosecutors cried foul on this, arguing he was a flight risk and meddler, even while in the Brooklyn lockup he's called home for about a year. Both sides were instructed to write letters to the judge making their case for bail by 1 p.m. ET today. Prosecutors also stated that they would pursue an aggressive sentencing that could put Combs away for two decades.
Judge Subramanian cited Combs' history of violence as a main reason for denying him bail. As prosecutors undoubtedly showed during his trial, he has a decades-long propensity for violence, particularly toward women, which takes place in private. The video footage of Combs beating Cassie Ventura, which was shown at least a dozen times in court, certainly displays this, and Combs subjected his girlfriend 'Jane' to a violent attack as recently as 2024, the court heard over the past few weeks. When this occurred, Combs had already been indicted and had his homes raided by authorities.
All sides in the case were told by the judge to return to court on Oct. 3 for sentencing; that date could move up if the defense team and Combs seek to expedite his sentencing process. The defense is seeking a term of 21 to 27 months for Combs while the feds hope for 51 to 63 months.
Combs will get credit for the time served.
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Everything that came out of Diddy's trial, from disturbing allegations to photos of belongings
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Diddy's two-charge acquittal: Letters to the Editor — June 5, 2025
The Issue: Sean 'Diddy' Combs being acquitted on sex trafficking and racketeering charges. Sean Combs may have been acquitted of the most serious charges, but that doesn't mean he isn't a degenerate ('Making of a hip-hop martyr,' Kirsten Fleming, July 3). Instead of using his fame and money to make a difference and enrich the lives of others, Combs wielded his power to demean women with predatory behavior that bordered on inhumane. There are no winners in this trial. All it did was showcase how an individual with power and influence, but lacking any real humanity, used people in a bad manner and got away with it. Michael D'Auria Bronxville Those people who predict that Diddy's career will suffer as a result of the trial obviously have not seen the crowd of morons outside the courthouse cheering his 'victory.' He is now a social-justice icon to some, and he will continue to prosper. The government's attempt to score an attention-grabbing victory was an utter failure, a true O.J. Simpson moment. Please do not waste any more of our tax money on prosecutions of celebrities who are above the law. Robert Mangi Garden City Now that Combs has been found guilty of prostitution, the big question is how much a pardon from President Trump will cost him. Even though he was only found guilty on the lesser charges, this pardon would still be costly, but Combs has the money. Kreg Ramone Manhattan Diddy is a very powerful person. Even if he does time, it won't make a difference in his operations and power. The fact is that the operation he was responsible for will continue and prosper because everyone involved knows that they will not suffer any consequences. The corruption runs very deep. Unfortunately, we the public pay the price for this unbelievable immoral debauchery. Jean Cole Juno Beach, Fla. In 1991, Combs promoted a concert at City College which killed nine people in a stampede because Combs oversold the concert tickets. Combs was never charged. Now he sits brooding in the Metropolitan Correctional Center, as his lawyers spew garbage about the lack of opportunity for black people. I believe O.J. murdered Nicole Simpson and Ronald Brown and got away with it by playing the race card. Combs contemptuously continues that tradition. Ron Spurga Manhattan The Issue: The New York City Pride March banning LGBT police offers from participating in uniform. The leaders of the Pride March refused to let gay NYPD officers march in their parade with their uniforms and their firearms on, but as soon as there was a problem when someone was shot and assaulted, who came to help ('The Shame of Pride,' Editorial, July 2)? Everybody had better wake up, because when you are in a bad situation, the only help is the NYPD. Without them, imagine what more could have happened. John Wilde Massapequa Park I've marched in New York City Pride for years. It's one of the most moving, joyful days of the year — full of love, defiance and belonging. But this year, as I cheered for floats and families, drag queens and dancers, I couldn't shake the bitter truth that some of our own were missing: LGBTQIA+ officers were banned from marching in uniform. I get the history — I really do. Law enforcement has caused deep, lasting harm to our community. But Pride was born from protest and from the belief that we all deserve to live and love out loud. It's appalling that queer officers — people who risk their lives for this city every day — are allowed to guard the parade but not walk in it. L.C. Walton Manhattan Want to weigh in on today's stories? Send your thoughts (along with your full name and city of residence) to letters@ Letters are subject to editing for clarity, length, accuracy, and style.
