Sean “Diddy” Combs is accused of “repeatedly breaking” the rules while incarcerated in an attempt to influence the outcome of his sex-trafficking case, according to prosecutors urging a judge to deny the hip-hop artist’s latest bail request.
Those “relentless efforts” allegedly included trying to reach out to potential witnesses or victims, and asking his children to carry out “carefully selected” social media campaigns to influence public opinion.
Prosecutors said in their latest court filing that they uncovered Combs’ efforts after reviewing recorded jailhouse calls.
Combs, who was arrested on September 16 on charges of sex trafficking and fraud, has been spending his days at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn as he awaits the start of his trial on May 5. He has pleaded not guilty and denies any wrongdoing.
Earlier this month, Combs’ lawyers proposed new conditions for his early release, after two previous unsuccessful attempts. The offer includes a $50 million bond, round-the-clock house arrest and strict limits on his ability to communicate with anyone outside of his legal team.
Citing “new evidence” and “changed circumstances,” Combs’ attorneys argued that keeping him in custody leaves him “unconstitutionally handicapped” in participating in his defense and preparing for trial.
But in documents filed in Manhattan federal court Friday night, prosecutors said the Grammy winner, 55, began breaking prison rules as soon as he arrived at the detention center.
“The defendant has shown repeatedly – even while in custody – that he will repeatedly ignore the rules in order to have a negative impact on the outcome of his case,” prosecutors wrote in their letter. “The defendant has shown, in other words, that he cannot be trusted to keep the rules or conditions.”
According to the recorded calls, the former singer once again went public with his intentions to anonymously share information that he believed would help him in the end, prosecutors said.
“The defendant’s efforts to disrupt the integrity of this case include endless attempts to contact potential witnesses, including victims of his abuse who can provide strong evidence against him,” they wrote.
Prosecutors said they could infer from his behavior that Combs intended to silence victims and witnesses, telling the judge he should remain behind bars. They also say he is a flight risk because of his endless resources and a danger to the public because of his alleged history of violence.
Combs’ legal team did not immediately respond to requests for comment Saturday.
A bail hearing is scheduled for late next week.
With News Wire Services
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