Sean “Diddy” Combs denied bail after judge found hip-hop mogul poses serious threat

A federal judge in New York denied Sean “Diddy” Combs’ bail request, finding “by clear and convincing evidence” that the hip-hop mogul is potentially dangerous and “that no condition or combination of conditions would reasonably ensure the safety of the community “

Judge Arun Subramanian found that “there is compelling evidence of Combs’ propensity for violence,” including video obtained by CNN of a 2016 incident at the Intercontinental Hotel with protégé Cassie Ventura.

Although the defense argued that the footage was edited and manipulated, the judge stated, “Even in the version of the footage that Combs sent, violence is clearly visible.”

Both federal prosecutors and Combs’ lawyers filed final pleadings Monday seeking the music mogul’s release on bail. This is the fourth time he has been refused bail.

Prosecutors argued that Combs’ attempt to influence jailed witnesses “constitutes obstruction” of his criminal case. They also highlighted Combs’ “recent efforts to influence the jury” through a social media campaign organized by his children.

Combs’ attorneys said their client’s conduct was a free speech defense intended to combat “outrageous claims about Mr. Combs” made by “government agents, plaintiffs’ attorneys and others with questionable motives.”

The judge also cited text messages sent between Combs and Ventura in the hours and days following the meeting.

“I have a black eye and a thick lip. “You’re sick of thinking you can do what you did,” one message said. “I still have terrible bruises,” said another.

Combs proposed home confinement in a three-bedroom apartment on the Upper East Side, with 24-hour security, visitor restrictions and communication restrictions. Still, the judge concluded: “Given the nature of the allegations in this case and the information provided by the government, the Court doubts whether any terms placing trust in Combs and those in his employ—like private security—are sufficient to support compliance with those terms.”

Last Friday, the defense called the proposed terms “significantly more restrictive” than what Combs faces in prison.

These included limiting telephone calls to lawyers, limiting visits other than lawyers and certain family members, keeping a log of visits, and avoiding contact with witnesses or potential witnesses.

But federal prosecutors said there were no conditions that would reduce the risk that Combs would tamper with witnesses or shape the opinions of potential jurors.

Last Friday, prosecutors briefly said Combs “cannot be trusted” to follow pretrial release rules.

The judge agreed with the prosecutor’s argument.

In his decision, Subramanian cited “evidence of a serious risk of witness tampering,” including Combs’ conversations and text messages with witnesses and his disregard for prison rules, such as using access codes to other inmates’ phones at MDC-Brooklyn.

“(Combs) willingness to circumvent BOP rules in a way that makes it difficult to monitor his communications is strong evidence that cannot reasonably be provided to the Court(D) as to the sufficiency of any release conditions,” Subramanian said.

Subramanian is the fourth judge to deny Combs bail, following a federal judge, an earlier district court judge assigned to hear the case and an appeals court judge.