Prosecutors allege Sean “Diddy” Combs is using prison time to influence witnesses, jurors and public opinion

On November 17, 2024By Pranco

That’s what prosecutors claim Sean “Diddy” Combs has been trying to contact potential witnesses and shape public opinion from prison in an effort to convince potential jurors for his upcoming sex trafficking trial. Those allegations were detailed late Friday in a court filing in which the government urged a judge to deny Combs’ latest bail request.

The filing, filed in Manhattan federal court, is opposed Combs’ third attempt to secure bailincluding a $50 million proposal. Prosecutors argued that the music mogul’s actions behind bars show his unwillingness to follow the rules and his determination to manipulate the legal process.

Citing recorded prison sentences, prosecutors allege that Combs instructed family members to contact potential victims and witnesses, asking them to create “stories” aimed at influencing the jury pool. They also claim he encouraged strategies to influence public opinion through marketing and social media.

“The defendant has repeatedly demonstrated – even while in custody – that he will blatantly and repeatedly disregard rules to improperly influence the outcome of his case. In other words, the defendant has demonstrated that he cannot be relied upon to adhere to any rules or conditions,” prosecutors said in their redacted filing.

Prosecutors argued that Combs’ actions indicate he intends to intimidate or blackmail witnesses into silence or provide testimony favorable to his defense.

Combs, 55, has denied pleading guilty to charges that he coerced and abused women for years with the help of a network of associates, using tactics including blackmail, violence, kidnapping and arson to silence his victims . Two judges have already deemed him a flight risk and a danger to the community and rejected his previous bail applications.

Despite these rulings, Combs’ legal team recently filed a renewed request for bail, citing “changed circumstances” and new evidence they say supports his release ahead of his release. May 5 trial. Prosecutors countered that the evidence cited was already known to the defense during previous bail applications.

The government’s filings also revealed specific instances of Combs’ alleged misconduct in prison, including his use of social media campaigns. They allege that Combs directed his family to post a birthday celebration video on social media, with the intention of influencing potential jurors, and that he later monitored analysis of the video from prison to gauge its impact.

Prosecutors further accused Combs of planning to anonymously disseminate information to bolster his defense and of repeated attempts to contact potential witnesses, including alleged victims of his abuse.

Attorneys for Combs have not commented on the recent allegations. A bail hearing is scheduled for next week, according to police The AP report.