SEAN “Diddy” Combs has been denied bail as the disgraced mogul’s admission of violence during closing arguments comes back to bite him in his quest for freedom.
Judge Arun Subramaniam denied Combs’ defense team’s sprawling $1 million bail package that would have required the Bad Boy Records executive, 55, to surrender his passport, be on an ankle monitor, and restrict his travel.
Combs’ upbeat demeanour darkened, his mouth dropped, and his eyes widened after learning that he will remain in federal custody until his sentencing.
The judge tentatively set sentencing for October 3, but scheduled a July 8 hearing where he will rule on whether to push the date up per the defense’s request.
In his ruling, Judge Subramanian cited his past bail denial rulings and also underscored Combs and his defense team’s confession of domestic violence throughout the trial.
“Even if the defendant was solely required to show that he is not a danger to the community, he could not meet that burden,” the judge said.
“The defense conceded the defendant’s violence. You full-throatedly in your closing arguments told the jury that there was violence here.”
The judge outlined the disturbing 2016 surveillance footage from the Inter-Continental hotel involving Combs’ brutal assault on Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura.
“There was the London Hotel incident. There was violence after the searches in this case,” Judge Subramanian added, referring to the raids on Combs’ properties in Beverly Hills and Miami.
“As to Jane, there was June 2024 after the searches of Combs’ residences. This evidences a disregard for the law and a propensity for violence.”
Marc Agnifilo, Combs’ lead defense attorney, urged the judge to reconsider his ruling, saying his client had been working to “better himself” before he was arrested in September 2024.
“He is a man who’s in the process of working on himself,” Agnifilo said, adding that Combs has been a “model prisoner” since his arrest.
“I just think we should trust him. He’s not going to flee.”
Agnifilo told the judge that Combs would wish to speak with him, but the offer seemingly went unnoticed.
Judge Subramanian rejected the defense’s pleas to release their client and reaffirmed that the bail application was denied.
Combs hung his head as he was escorted out of the courtroom by US Marshals, who will transport him back to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
Before he left the courtroom, Combs faced his family and told them “We’re gonna make it through this. I’ll see you when I get out,” according to CNN.
“I love you all. Be strong.”
SPLIT VERDICT
A jury acquitted Combs on Wednesday of the most serious charges he faced – racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking in regards to Ventura and “Jane,” a pseudonym used for one of Combs’ ex-girlfriends.
The verdict came minutes into the start of the third day of deliberations and less than 24 hours after jurors initially reached a split verdict on Tuesday afternoon.
The charges Combs was convicted of, two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, carry a maximum 10-year prison sentence each and no minimum, meaning he could potentially walk free.
Racketeering conspiracy carried a life sentence.
Combs pumped his right fist in celebration and embraced his family and defense counsel after the jury acquitted him of the most serious charges.
He smiled, put his hands together in prayer, and mouthed to the jury, “Thank you. Thank you,” according to The New York Times.
Agnifilo, Combs’ lead defense attorney, had asked Judge Subramanian to release his client today ahead of his sentencing as he is now acquitted of the most serious crimes.
Lead US Attorney Maurene Comey vehemently opposed the defense’s proposal, arguing “A person found guilty shall be detained until the judicial officer finds he is not likely to flee or be a danger.”
Source : https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/14592626/sean-diddy-combs-sex-trafficking-trial-verdict/
