Diddy Denied Bail for Fourth Time as Judge Cites Risk of Witness Tampering and Danger to the Community

Sean “Diddy” Combs has been denied bail for the fourth time, ensuring the Bad Boy founder will remain in custody at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center ahead of his sex crimes trial in May 2025.

Federal Judge Arun Subramanian rejected Combs’ request for release on Wednesday, agreeing with prosecutors who argued he poses a risk of witness tampering and endangering the community.

Combs’ defense team had proposed a $50 million bail package, which included home detention with 24/7 private security, restricted internet and phone access, and a pre-approved visitor list. However, the judge sided with the prosecution, marking another setback for Combs, who has pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and other allegations spanning from the 1990s to 2022. Prosecutors allege Combs used his wealth and celebrity status to orchestrate and record abusive encounters, claims that his legal team denies.

In court filings, prosecutors have detailed concerns about Combs’ communications while detained. They allege he used other inmates’ accounts and services like ContactMeASAP to send messages, making it difficult to monitor his activity. Combs’ attorneys countered that his actions fall under his First Amendment rights and claimed he stopped using the service on November 16. Prosecutors, however, allege Combs continued to send messages through unauthorized methods as recently as November 24, including instructions to contact witnesses and potential victims.

During his November 22 bail hearing, Combs appeared in court wearing a beige jail-issued outfit and blew kisses to family members in attendance, including his mother and children. Despite the emotional family support, prosecutors maintained their position that no conditions could ensure Combs’ compliance if released. Previous judges have echoed similar concerns, citing Combs’ alleged substance abuse, anger issues, and a pattern of obstruction.

Prosecutors claim to have gathered extensive evidence in the case, including data from phones, laptops, travel records, and social media accounts. Combs’ defense continues to dispute the allegations, asserting that all encounters were consensual. With trial preparations underway and the judge’s firm stance on bail, Combs will remain behind bars as the case progresses.