Sean “Diddy” Combs is set to appeal a federal judge’s decision to detain him without bail on alleged charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs entered a not guilty plea in federal court on Tuesday, and the appeal is expected to be heard Wednesday afternoon.
U.S. District Court Judge Andrew Carter is presiding over the case, and until the scheduled hearing at 3:30 p.m. ET, Combs is being held in isolation at the Metropolitan Detention Center’s Special Housing Unit in Brooklyn, according to a law enforcement official.
The arrest followed a series of lawsuits related to sexual assault and a federal human trafficking probe targeting Combs over the past year. He was taken into custody at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Manhattan on Monday night by Homeland Security Investigations.
Judge Robyn Tarnofsky ruled that Combs will remain in custody as he faces potential penalties of up to life in prison if convicted. Prosecutors accuse the 54-year-old music mogul of leading a “criminal enterprise” through his business operations, engaging in serious offenses such as sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice.
The federal indictment claims that Combs “abused, threatened, and coerced women and others around him to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his conduct” for a period exceeding ten years. The charges include allegations of drug-fueled parties and various instances of abuse discovered during March raids of his residences.
In the courtroom, prosecutors contended that Combs should be held without bail due to his prior attempts to contact witnesses and alleged victims. In response, Combs’ defense sought to secure his release through home detention backed by a $50 million bond against his Miami property. However, Judge Tarnofsky expressed doubt that any conditions would ensure Combs’ court appearance if released. She highlighted the nature of the case, stating that “this is a crime that happens behind closed doors, even when pretrial services is monitoring.”
Should the court deny the bail appeal, Combs will remain in the detention center. His attorney, Marc Agnifilo, told CNN that a plea deal is unlikely, maintaining Combs’ innocence in the matter. “I believe he’s innocent of the charges, and he is going to go to trial, and I believe he’s going to win,” Agnifilo stated.
During the court proceedings, Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson asserted that Combs is a “serial abuser and a serial obstructor,” a claim supported by the recommendation for detention from pretrial services. Agnifilo contended that the case revolves around “one victim,” a stance that was challenged by Johnson, who insisted that “This is not a case about one victim. There are multiple victims.”
Since November of the previous year, Combs has faced ten lawsuits, with nine directly alleging sexual assault. The indictment claims that individuals associated with Combs engaged in multiple criminal activities, including sex trafficking and forced labor, during his decade-long operation.
Federal prosecutors disclosed that numerous witnesses have reportedly observed instances of violence against women by Combs, adding that some of these individuals express fears concerning his potential retaliation. Agnifilo argued that what prosecutors labeled as “freak offs” were instances of consensual activities among adults, dismissing allegations of wrongdoing.
The indictment details a sustained pattern of abuse, including physical acts such as choking, hitting, and dragging. Notably, it refers to a March 2016 incident captured on video, showing Combs assaulting a woman and attempting to bribe a hotel staff member for silence.
In light of ongoing litigation, Combs’ former girlfriend Casandra Ventura filed a lawsuit in November 2023, alleging long-term abuse and rape, which resulted in a settlement shortly after filing. Ventura’s attorney, Douglas Wigdor, stated he would not comment further following the indictment of Combs.
Combs’ past behavior, including a controversial 2016 video showing violent interactions, led to public scrutiny and an apology that he later recanted. The attorney asserted that the video should not influence the current charges, describing it as a moment of personal embarrassment arising from a lengthy and complicated relationship.
Agnifilo argued in court Tuesday that Combs has no plans to flee and has “earned” the court’s trust. He emphasized the steps taken to ensure compliance with the law, including surrendering passports and reporting travel. Agnifilo intends to reiterate these arguments in the upcoming appeal, expressing optimism about Combs’ potential release.
