American rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs has been ordered to remain in custody without bail ahead of his trial in a high-profile case where he faces accusations of abusing women, including forcing them to participate in “Freak Off” sex sessions.
Federal prosecutor Emily Johnson argued that Combs is an “extreme danger to the community,” citing his alleged history as a “serial abuser” and claims that he has attempted to obstruct justice on multiple occasions by influencing witnesses to protect his reputation.
One incident highlighted by Johnson involves an alleged assault on his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, on March 5, 2016. Combs allegedly tried to bribe a hotel security officer to cover up the incident and destroy surveillance footage, which surfaced publicly earlier this year.
In a more recent claim, Johnson said Combs sent 58 text messages to former Diddy-Dirty Money singer Kalenna Harper after she was named in a lawsuit against him brought by Dawn Richard. Harper later issued a statement saying she had not witnessed the rapper abusing anyone.
Johnson warned that Combs “has an ongoing ability to keep witnesses…in his pocket and at his disposal.”
Further troubling details emerged during Combs’ arrest, where law enforcement agents discovered bags of pink powder in his hotel room, suspected to be ecstasy. Johnson mentioned that her office is awaiting test results, but noted the substance resembles previously identified party drugs.
Combs’ lawyer, Marc Agnifilo—known for representing convicted NXIVM sex-cult leader Keith Raniere—claimed that his client voluntarily flew to New York on September 5 to surrender. Agnifilo argued that the acts described in the indictment involved consenting adults, but Diddy has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
If convicted, Combs could face life imprisonment.
