A U.S. federal judge has denied bail to hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs following his conviction for transporting individuals for prostitution, despite his acquittal on the most serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering.
The ruling came after a New York jury found Combs guilty of one charge but cleared him of three others, including racketeering under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), which could have carried a life sentence.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Judge Arun Subramanian cited Combs’ history of violence in denying the bail request, ordering that the music executive remain in federal custody at the Brooklyn detention facility where he has been held since September 2024. Combs now awaits sentencing, tentatively set for October 3, and faces up to 20 years in prison.
Combs’ legal team, led by attorney Marc Agnifilo, argued for his release, claiming he posed no flight risk and highlighting that he had previously enrolled in a domestic violence rehabilitation program voluntarily. Agnifilo said the artist had not committed any violent acts since 2018, urging the court: “I just think we should trust him.”
However, the court also heard from Combs’ ex-girlfriend, singer Casandra Ventura, who warned in a letter that releasing him on bail would endanger both the victims and the public. “Ms Ventura believes that Mr. Combs is likely to pose a danger to the victims who testified in this case, including herself,” her lawyer, Douglas Wigdor, wrote.
Judge Subramanian agreed, noting that “the defence conceded violence in his personal relationship,” and said this was a key reason for denying bail.
The verdict followed a nearly two-month federal trial in which prosecutors accused Combs of leading a criminal enterprise through his music and business empire to exploit women sexually. Over 30 witnesses testified, including Ventura—who was eight months pregnant at the time—rapper Kid Cudi, former employees, and hotel security staff.
At the heart of the prosecution’s case was surveillance footage from 2016 showing Combs violently assaulting Ventura in a Los Angeles hotel. Security staff testified that Combs attempted to pay them to destroy the footage. Prosecutors also described a disturbing pattern of behavior involving so-called “freak-offs,” where Combs allegedly coerced his partners into having sex with male escorts while he watched and recorded.
While jurors could not unanimously agree on the racketeering charge, they did convict Combs on the lesser charge related to prostitution, after deliberating for 13 hours. The jury had earlier informed the court they were split on the racketeering count, which they described as the most complex and contentious.
Defense lawyers argued that Combs’ misconduct, while troubling, did not amount to a criminal enterprise and that his employees were not knowingly complicit. They acknowledged Combs’ violent behavior but said it stemmed from drug use and emotional instability, not a coordinated scheme of trafficking.
Combs, visibly shaken by the partial verdict, reportedly fell to his knees and appeared to pray as jurors read the outcome.
The music mogul still faces numerous civil lawsuits related to allegations of sexual assault and abuse. Known for founding Bad Boy Records in 1993—home to stars like The Notorious B.I.G. and Usher—Combs later expanded into fashion, alcohol, fragrances, and media, becoming one of hip-hop’s most influential entrepreneurs.
Despite his acquittal on the most serious federal charges, his legal troubles appear far from over.
