No bail for Diddy despite major acquittals

International

DIDDY beat the rap on racketeering and sex trafficking, but the judge wasn’t swayed—he’s staying in federal lockup for now.

Sean “Diddy” Combs remains in custody after a New York federal judge denied his request for bail, despite a jury acquitting him of the most serious charges: racketeering and sex trafficking.

The hip-hop mogul was found guilty of a lesser charge—transportation to engage in prostitution—after a nearly two-month federal trial in Manhattan. The conviction carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Sentencing is currently set for October 3.

Defense attorneys argued that Combs posed no flight risk, citing a private jet currently chartered in Hawaii and his voluntary enrollment in a domestic violence rehabilitation program prior to his arrest. But Judge Arun Subramanian ruled against bail, citing Combs’ past violent behavior and concerns raised by victims.

“The defense conceded violence in his personal relationship,” Subramanian said during the ruling.

Combs, 55, has been held at a federal detention center in Brooklyn since his arrest last September.

Mixed verdict after intense jury deliberation

The jury deliberated for 13 hours before returning a split verdict. Combs was acquitted on three of five charges, including the most severe counts of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, both of which carry potential life sentences.

The day before the verdict, jurors informed the court they had reached decisions on most charges but were deadlocked on the racketeering count. They described their division as “unpersuadable,” leading to an acquittal on that charge.

Prosecutors had alleged that Combs directed a criminal enterprise involving sex trafficking, drugging, and obstruction of justice, operating under the framework of the federal RICO Act. The defense rejected that framing, arguing that his personal misconduct did not rise to the level of an organized criminal operation.

To secure a racketeering conviction, prosecutors needed to prove that Combs used a trusted inner circle to carry out and conceal a coordinated series of crimes. Defense attorneys countered that members of his staff were not knowingly involved in any criminal activity.

Courtroom reaction and bail opposition

The courtroom grew tense as the verdict was read. Combs reportedly dropped to his knees, put his face into his chair, and trembled. His lead attorney, Marc Agnifilo, made a final appeal for bail, saying his client had taken steps toward reform and had not been violent since 2018. Agnifilo said, “I just think we should trust him.”

The court also heard from Casandra Ventura, Combs’ former partner, who testified during the trial and submitted a written statement opposing his release. In a letter filed to the court, Ventura’s attorney, Douglas Wigdor, stated that she believed Combs would pose a continued danger to both herself and other victims if released.

Ventura testified that Combs coerced her into sex acts and used threats, including the release of recorded footage, to control her. Her testimony was supported by video evidence from a 2016 hotel incident in Los Angeles, in which Combs was seen beating and dragging her. Hotel security staff said Combs later attempted to pay them to destroy the footage.

Witness testimony and government case

Over seven weeks, prosecutors presented testimony from more than 30 witnesses, including rapper Kid Cudi, former staff members, and hotel employees. Several described how Combs allegedly directed “freak-offs,” where women were pressured into having sex with male escorts while he watched and recorded.

The prosecution argued that Combs relied on employees to facilitate and conceal these acts. The defense acknowledged past violence but maintained it stemmed from drug use and jealousy, not an organized scheme. Combs denied any non-consensual sex or broader criminal enterprise.

Broader legal troubles remain

Combs’ legal issues extend beyond the federal conviction. He is currently facing multiple civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault and violence, which could lead to further legal and financial consequences in the coming months.

The Harlem native rose to fame in the 1990s after founding Bad Boy Records, signing acts like The Notorious B.I.G. and Usher. His business ventures later expanded into fashion, fragrance, media, and alcohol branding.

Though he avoided convictions on charges that could have led to life imprisonment, Combs remains in federal custody with his legal future uncertain and sentencing still ahead.