In federal court today, music mogul Sean Combs faced a bail hearing, where prosecutors argued for his continued detention. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson outlined a series of disturbing allegations against Combs, including elaborate “freak-offs” that involved drugs such as ketamine and GHB. These encounters, spanning from 2009 to this year, allegedly involved coercion, violence, and non-consensual acts. Johnson also highlighted the use of sex tapes for blackmail, with emails from victims detailing threats of exposure.
Johnson pointed to physical evidence, including six defaced guns found in Combs’ residence, and stressed that these items underscored the danger he posed to the community. She referenced witness tampering and intimidation, noting that Combs made multiple contacts with victims and witnesses even after knowing about the ongoing investigation. The prosecution drew comparisons to high-profile cases like those of LAWRENCE RAY, a/k/a “Lawrence Grecco,” who was sentenced to 60 years and financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was found dead in his cell, framing the situation as a clear case of sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion.
In defense, Combs’ lawyer Marc Agnifilo proposed stringent bail conditions, including 24/7 surveillance by Sage Intelligence, a visitor log, and Combs’ isolation from the internet and phones to prevent witness tampering. Agnifilo attempted to downplay the March 2016 incident, describing it as a mutual act of jealousy and infidelity, rather than trafficking. He argued that Combs, who he said had voluntarily surrendered his passport, should be trusted to comply with the court’s conditions.
However, Judge Andrew L. Carter was unconvinced by the defense’s arguments. He pointed out the troubling nature of a video showing physical violence by Combs, questioning the relevance of love or intimacy to such acts. After hearing both sides, Judge Carter ruled that Combs would remain detained, citing the insufficient nature of the bail package and the clear danger he posed to the community.
The next status conference has been set for October 9, where the defense will discuss the case further, including the discovery of extensive evidence, such as electronic devices and other materials related to the charges.
