NEW YORK – A federal judge in New York declined on Monday to grant Sean “Diddy” Combs bail, citing no “remarkable reasons” for his release ahead of his October sentencing.
Judge cites flight risk, community danger
A judge denied bail for sean “Diddy” Combs, who faces sentencing for transporting individuals for prostitution.
Combs was convicted of transportation to engage in prostitution. The judge stated this conviction mandates incarceration, with sentencing scheduled for Oct. 3. The charges stem from a years-long investigation into Combs’ alleged trafficking and abuse of women. Prosecutors presented evidence suggesting Combs orchestrated the transportation of women across state lines for the purpose of engaging in prostitution, and that he exerted control over them through threats and violence.
Judge Arun Subramanian resolute that Combs poses a flight risk and a danger to the community. The judge pointed to 2016 hotel surveillance footage showing Combs kicking and dragging Cassie Ventura as evidence. this footage, along with testimony from Ventura and other alleged victims, painted a picture of a pattern of abusive behavior.
Related: Cassie Ventura’s lawsuit details years of alleged abuse by Diddy
Defense argues “swingers lifestyle” defense
Attorneys for Combs argued that he transported male escorts not for profit or under duress but to participate in his “swingers lifestyle.” They contended that these unique circumstances warranted his release. The defense team attempted to portray the interactions as consensual and part of a mutually agreed-upon arrangement.
However, the judge noted that such an argument might be persuasive in a different case. This was especially true when the current case includes evidence of violence, coercion, or subjugation in connection with the prostitution charges.
“The record here contains evidence of all three,” Subramanian stated.
This is a developing story. please check back for updates.
