Hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has been denied bail for the fourth time, with a New York federal judge ruling that there is compelling evidence the music mogul poses a serious risk to public safety. On Wednesday, Judge Arun Subramanian, in his decision, cited “clear and convincing evidence” of Combs’s potential for violence, including troubling footage from a 2016 incident at the Intercontinental Hotel involving his former protégé, Cassie Ventura. Despite defense claims that the footage was edited, the judge affirmed that the video depicted clear signs of violence.
The ruling comes amidst ongoing legal battles, with prosecutors arguing that Combs attempted to influence witnesses while incarcerated and tampered with the jury pool via a social media campaign. Federal authorities also pointed to evidence suggesting witness tampering, including calls and text messages with Ventura in the aftermath of their alleged altercation. One message reportedly read, “I have a black eye and a fat lip. You are sick for thinking it’s OK to do what you’ve done.”
Combs, who was seeking release on home confinement with private security, had proposed conditions that included limiting visitors and restricting communication. However, the judge rejected these measures, stating that the evidence of Combs’s disregard for rules—including using other inmates’ phone codes to circumvent monitoring—raised doubts that he could be trusted to adhere to any conditions of release.
The judge’s decision marks the fourth consecutive denial of bail, following similar rulings from previous judges in the case. The music mogul’s attorneys have maintained that his actions are a form of free speech and that the claims against him are exaggerated. However, the court remains unconvinced, ruling that no conditions could ensure the safety of witnesses or the integrity of the trial.
