Sean “Diddy” Combs will remain in jail awaiting sentencing for his prostitution-related conviction, a judge ruled on Monday. His request for bail was denied.
Combs has been incarcerated since his arrest in September. He was facing federal charges alleging he coerced girlfriends into participating in drug-fueled sexual encounters with male sex workers, while he observed and filmed these events.
Last month, he was acquitted of the most serious charges, racketeering and sex trafficking, but convicted on two counts related to prostitution.
The conviction carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. However, federal sentencing guidelines are complex, and there is significant disagreement between prosecutors and Combs’ legal team regarding their application in this case.
The sentencing guidelines are advisory, granting Judge Arun Subramanian considerable discretion in determining Combs’ punishment.
Combs, 55, the founder of Bad Boy Records, has been a prominent figure in pop culture for decades. A Grammy-winning hip-hop artist and entrepreneur known for discovering and promoting major talents, he built a business empire encompassing fashion and reality TV.
Prosecutors argued that he exploited his fame, wealth, and propensity for violence to force and manipulate two former girlfriends into extended, drug-induced sexual performances, which he referred to as “freak-offs” or “hotel nights.”
His lawyers countered that the government was attempting to criminalize consensual, albeit unconventional, sexual practices within complex relationships. While acknowledging Combs’ violent tendencies, the defense maintained that his actions did not constitute the crimes with which he was charged.
Since the verdict, his legal team has repeatedly sought his release on bail pending his sentencing, scheduled for October.
They argued that the acquittals weakened the justification for his continued detention, citing similar cases where individuals were released before sentencing.
Defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo asserted in a court filing that Combs is “the only person in the United States in jail for hiring adult male escorts for him and his girlfriend.”
Their latest proposal included a $50 million (€43.5m) bond, travel restrictions, and a willingness to incorporate house arrest at his Miami residence, electronic monitoring, private security, and other safeguards.
Prosecutors opposed Combs’ release, stating that his “extensive history of violence — and his continued attempt to minimise his recent violent conduct – demonstrates his dangerousness and that he is not amendable to supervision.”
