Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has been denied bail because the judge rules that the hip-hop mogul poses a serious danger

NEW YORK– A New York federal judge has denied Sean “Diddy” Combs’ request for bail, ruling “by clear and convincing evidence” that the hip-hop mogul is potentially dangerous and “that no condition or combination of circumstances can reasonably guarantee. of the community.”

Judge Arun Subramanian ruled that “there is compelling evidence of Combs’ propensity for violence,” including a video obtained by CNN of the 2016 Intercontinental Hotel incident involving protégé Cassie Ventura.

While the defense argued that the footage was edited and manipulated, the judge said: “There is clearly violence in it, even in the version of the footage submitted by Combs.”

Both federal prosecutors and Combs’ attorneys filed their final briefs Monday on whether the music mogul should be released on bail. This is the fourth time he has been denied bail.

Prosecutors argued that Combs’ attempt to testify while in jail “impeded” his criminal case. They also mentioned Combs’ “recent attempts to influence the jury pool” through a social media campaign organized by his children.

Combs’ attorneys said their client’s conduct constituted protected free speech protections intended to combat “outrageous claims about Mr. Combs” by “government agents, plaintiffs’ attorneys and others with questionable motives.”

The judge also cited text messages between Combs and Ventura from the hours and days after the encounter.

“I have a black eye and a fat lip. You’re getting sick because you think it’s okay to do what you did,” one message said. “I still have crazy bruises,” said another.

Combs proposed house arrest in a three-bedroom apartment on the Upper East Side, with 24/7 private security, restrictions on visitors and restrictions on his communications. Still, the judge said: “Given the nature of the allegations in this case and the information provided by the government, the Court questions the adequacy of any conditions placing trust in Combs and persons in his employ – such as a private security detail – to follow those conditions.”

Last Friday, the defense called the proposed conditions “much more restrictive” than what Combs will face in prison.

They include limiting phone calls to attorneys, limiting visitors other than attorneys and specific family members, keeping a visit log and avoiding contact with witnesses or potential witnesses.

However, federal prosecutors have said there are no circumstances that could reduce Combs’ risk of tampering with witnesses or shaping the opinions of potential jurors.

Last Friday, prosecutors summarily said in court that Combs “cannot be trusted” to follow the rules of pretrial release.

The judge followed the prosecutor’s argument.

In his decision, Subramanian cited “evidence that supports a serious risk of witness tampering,” including Combs’ calls and texts with witnesses, and his violations of jail rules, such as using other inmates’ phone passcodes in MDC Brooklyn.

“(Combs) willingness to circumvent BOP rules in a manner that would make it more difficult to monitor his communications is strong evidence that the Court cannot reasonably be certain of the adequacy of any conditions of release,” Subramanian said.

Subramanian is the fourth judge to deny Combs bail, following a federal magistrate, the previous district court judge assigned to the case and an appeals court judge.