Sean “Diddy” Combs appeared in a New York court again Friday as he continues to fight for bail in his racketeering and sex trafficking case.
Combs’ lawyers argued that he should be released on bail and placed under house arrest in a three-bedroom apartment on the Upper East Side, under 24/7 surveillance by three law enforcement professionals. full-time security, while prosecutors said the hip-hop impresario “cannot be trusted” to follow bail rules.
The judge did not immediately issue his ruling, but said he would issue his ruling next week.
The defense said it was proposing “much more restrictive” conditions than Combs faces in prison, including limiting phone calls to attorneys, restricting visitors other than attorneys and specific family members, keeping a log visitors and avoid any contact with witnesses or potential witnesses.
“If what the government is afraid of is Mr. Combs being violent toward someone, there’s no chance of that happening,” defense attorney Marc Agnifilo said.
Combs hugged his family and patted his heart as he entered federal court Friday in a beige jail coat over a long-sleeved white T-shirt. He hugged his lawyers and, once seated, turned in his chair to smile at his mother and children, seated in the second row.
Sean “Diddy” Combs arrives at the premiere of “The Four: Battle For Stardom” in Los Angeles on May 30, 2018.
Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP, FILE
Prosecutors reminded the judge “this is a violent case” and argued that the conditions proposed in the defense’s bail package weren’t up to par.
“Basically, for the conditions to be sufficient, there has to be a certain level of confidence that the accused will follow them,” prosecutor Christy Slavik said. “Simply put, the accused cannot be trusted.”
She also questioned the effectiveness of a team of private security guards paid by Combs.
“There is simply no separation for the accused. You work for him. There is simply no way to believe that a private security company can do what the court requires and guarantee respect “said Slavik.
Combs has pleaded not guilty to racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and prostitution charges.
His lawyers acknowledged that hotel security camera video obtained by CNN showed “physical conduct” between Combs and his ex-girlfriend Cassie, but argued the video should not be used to keep Combs behind the bars.
Quincy Brown, D’Lila Star Combs and others enter Manhattan federal court on the day of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs’ hearing to request his release from prison while awaiting trial in New York, July 22 November 2024.
Kent J. Edwards/Reuters
The defense argued in a filing Thursday that prosecutors “invented” the story using a “manipulated version” of the video. The defense insisted the video did not show a “freak off,” the name of the sex parties allegedly hosted by Combs, but rather showed a domestic dispute during which Combs ran down the hotel hallway to retrieve his clothes and cell phone.
“To defend ourselves against these accusations, this is a toxic end to a romantic relationship,” Agnifilo said Friday.
Federal prosecutors said “it was a little confusing” that the defense brought up the video because Combs doesn’t dispute what it shows.
“The accused admitted and apologized for it in a public Instagram post. He shoved, kicked and dragged a female victim,” Slavik said.
