Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs will remain behind bars after a federal judge denied his request for bail on Wednesday, following his conviction on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. The verdict comes after a nearly two-month-long, high-profile trial in New York that saw Combs acquitted of the most severe charges of racketeering and sex trafficking, which could have resulted in a life sentence.
Key Developments:
- Bail denied: Judge Arun Subramanian cited Combs’ “history of violence” and concerns about witness tampering and flight risk as primary reasons for refusing bail. The decision ensures Combs will stay incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn until sentencing.
- Charges and verdict: Combs, 55, was found guilty on two counts of transporting women across state lines for prostitution, specifically involving his ex-girlfriends Cassie Ventura and another woman identified as “Jane.” He was acquitted of racketeering and two counts of sex trafficking, charges which centered on allegations of coercion and operating a criminal enterprise.
- Potential sentence: Each prostitution-related conviction carries a maximum penalty of 10 years. Prosecutors have indicated they will seek a 20-year sentence, though legal experts suggest the judge may consider the acquittals on the more serious charges when determining the final sentence.
- Jury deliberations: The jury deliberated for over 13 hours before delivering a unanimous verdict on all five counts. The acquittal on the most serious allegations was seen as a significant legal victory for Combs, sparing him a possible life sentence.
- Trial highlights: The prosecution presented surveillance footage and testimony from numerous witnesses, including Cassie Ventura, whose civil lawsuit in 2023 helped spark the criminal investigation. Prosecutors alleged Combs orchestrated “freak-offs”—drug-fueled sexual encounters involving paid escorts—and used violence and threats to maintain control. The defense countered that all sexual activity was consensual and highlighted evidence of ongoing affectionate relationships between Combs and the women involved.
- Public and legal reactions: Upon hearing the verdict, Combs reportedly celebrated in court, raising his fist and embracing his attorney. His supporters chanted “Free Puff!” outside the courthouse. Cassie Ventura’s attorney praised her courage in coming forward, noting her lawsuit was instrumental in bringing Combs to justice.
Sentencing for Sean “Diddy” Combs is currently scheduled for October 3, with both the defense and prosecution signaling a willingness to expedite the process if possible. Combs’ legal team has expressed eagerness to move up the sentencing date and is prepared to forgo a pre-sentencing investigation to accelerate proceedings, while federal prosecutors have indicated a readiness to collaborate on expediting the timeline, though they caution that more information may be needed before sentencing can occur.
Combs has remained in custody since his arrest in September 2024, following federal raids on his properties in Los Angeles and Miami, and will continue to be held without bail until sentencing.
