Sean “Diddy” Combs won’t be released from prison while awaiting sentencing for his conviction related to prostitution, a judge ruled on Monday.
Combs has been incarcerated since his September arrest. He faced federal charges accusing him of forcing his girlfriend into a drug-fueled sexual encounter with a male escort.
Last month, he was found guilty on two prostitution-related charges but was acquitted of more serious charges, such as assault and sex trafficking.
Judge Arun Subramanian declined Combs’ request for a $50 million bond. He stated that Combs could not demonstrate that he posed no flight risk or danger, emphasizing that there were no “exceptional circumstances” that would warrant releasing him instead of detention.
According to the judge, the defense’s argument could be valid only if there was no evidence of violence, coercion, or exploitation connected to the prostitution acts in question; however, the case record showed all three elements were present.
Efforts to obtain comments from prosecutors and one of Combs’ lawyers are ongoing.
This conviction carries a potential sentence of up to ten years. Yet, the federal guidelines for determining sentences can be quite intricate, and there seems to be a disagreement between the prosecution and Combs’ lawyers over how these guidelines apply to him.
Although guidelines are not mandatory, judges have significant discretion when it comes to sentencing.
The 55-year-old, who founded Bad Boy Records, has remained a prominent figure in pop culture for numerous years. He is known as a Grammy Award-winning hip-hop artist and a successful entrepreneur with a knack for discovering and fostering talent, having built a business empire that spans fashion and reality television.
Prosecutors claimed he exploited his fame, wealth, and a history of violence to intimidate and manipulate two girlfriends into participating in what they described as “freak-off” or “hotel nights,” involving prolonged drug-induced sexual performances.
His defense argued that even if unconventional sexual dynamics exist within complex relationships, it should not be construed as a crime. They did acknowledge Combs’ violent actions but contended that those actions did not equate to the charges he faced.
Following the verdict, his lawyers have consistently sought his release on bail until sentencing, scheduled for October. They argued that the circumstances surrounding his conviction do not justify his continued imprisonment, highlighting instances where others were released under similar conditions.
Defense attorney Mark Agnifilo claimed in a court filing that Combs was “the only person in custody for hiring an adult male escort for himself and his girlfriend.”
The latest proposal for his defense suggests additional travel restrictions alongside the $50 million bond and has shown willingness to consider options like house arrest, electronic monitoring, and enhanced security measures at his home in Miami.
Prosecutors, however, have opposed his release, pointing to his “long history of violence” and a tendency to downplay his recent violent actions, asserting that this highlights his ongoing danger, making strict supervision necessary.
