Diddy to remain in jail until trial: Here's why
What's the story
Renowned American rapper and music producer, Sean 'Diddy' Combs, has been ordered to stay in jail until his trial for sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy commences.
This decision was made by Judge Andrew L. Carter Jr. on Wednesday, following the rejection of an appeal by Diddy's legal team for his release on bail.
If found guilty, the 54-year-old music mogul could face a maximum of 15 years in prison.
Legal appeal
Diddy's lawyers described jail conditions as 'horrific'
Diddy's lawyers had previously sent a letter to the judge on Tuesday, describing the conditions at the Metropolitan Detention Center as "horrific" and "not fit for pre-trial detention."
They proposed that Diddy be allowed to stay at his Florida home under 24/7 security.
However, the judge dismissed this suggestion, stating that there were no guarantees Diddy would not interfere with justice or tamper with witnesses.
Attorney statement
Diddy's attorney criticized 'unjust prosecution'
Following Diddy's arrest on Monday, his attorney Marc Agnifilo expressed disappointment with the decision to pursue what he termed an "unjust prosecution of Mr. Combs by the US Attorney's Office."
Agnifilo further described Diddy as a music icon, self-made entrepreneur, loving family man, and proven philanthropist who has spent the last 30 years building an empire and working to uplift the Black community.
Agnifilo added, "He is an imperfect person, but he is not a criminal."
Charges
Diddy accused of abusing, threatening, and coercing women
The charges against Diddy were revealed in a 14-page indictment.
According to court documents, Diddy has been accused of abusing, threatening and coercing women and others around him to fulfill "his sexual desires, protect his reputation and conceal his conduct."
The indictment also stated that Diddy and members of the Combs Enterprise facilitated multiple sex gatherings known as "Freak Offs."
Despite these serious allegations, Diddy has pleaded not guilty.
Previous allegations
Diddy first accused of misconduct in November 2023
Diddy was first accused of misconduct in November 2023 when his ex-girlfriend Casandra 'Cassie' Ventura named him in a sexual assault lawsuit, which was settled out of court within a day.
Several others have come forward with similar allegations against Diddy, who has denied each claim.
In March, raids were conducted on two of Diddy's homes. During these operations, police officials discovered over 1,000 bottles of lubricant, a variety of narcotics, and three AR-15s.