Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has been charged with sex trafficking and ordered to remain in custody without the possibility of bond. After a nearly two-hour hearing, Manhattan federal magistrate judge Robyn Tarnofsky ruled in favor of the prosecution, which argued that Combs posed a risk to the public and potential witnesses. Combs pleaded not guilty to charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking during the hearing.
The rapper’s legal team proposed a $50 million bond, including in-home detention and GPS monitoring in New York City, but the judge sided with the US Attorney’s office, which sought to keep Combs in custody. Assistant US Attorney Emily Johnson accused Combs of being a “serial abuser” who used his resources to facilitate and cover up his crimes.
Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, acknowledged his client’s past struggles, including drug use and toxic relationships, but argued for his release under strict conditions. The 54-year-old rapper was arrested six months after federal agents raided his homes in Miami and Los Angeles.
The next hearing is scheduled for September 24.
