Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs latest: Rapper ‘put on suicide watch’ as he awaits trial behind bars
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has faced a series of civil lawsuits accusing him of sexual abuse over the last year
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Sean “Diddy” Combs is “on suicide watch” in prison as he awaits trial on sex trafficking and racketeering charges, according to reports.
The rapper appeared in court on Wednesday to propose a $50 million bail package to avoid the notorious Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, but he was denied by the judge.
According to PEOPLE, Diddy has been placed on suicide watch as a “preventative measure”. On Wednesday Diddy’s lawyers argued he was not a flight risk or dangerous, but they failed to convince the judge.
The prosecution shared alleged text messages from Diddy to his ex, Cassie Ventura, following the attack on her in 2016 to argue he should remain behind bars until trial.
Diddy allegedly said: “Call me, the cops are here. I got six kids. You, please call. I’m surrounded. You gonna abandon me all alone.”
He pleaded not guilty to racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution and maintains he is "an innocent man."
If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Two judges have denied Combs’ request for bail. Here’s what they said
Combs’ request for bail, and $50 million proposed bail package, were not enough to convince two judges he should be released from custody.
On Tuesday, Magistrate Judge Robyn Tarnofsky voiced concern about Combs contacting potential witnesses as the government continues to investigate the allegations of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution.
“The alleged victims are people with whom there is a power imbalance,” Judge Tarnofsky said. She added they are “susceptible to coercion”.
On Wednesday, District Court Judge Andrew Carter issued a similar ruling.
“I’ve heard from the parties, I find that the government has proven the defendant is a danger,” Carter said.
Judge denies Combs request for bail
Judge Carter denied Combs’ second request for bail, saying he is dangerous and the bail package does not address flight risk concerns.
Combs will return to Metropolitan Detention Center.
Judge appears skeptical of house arrest
Judge Carter hounded defense attorneys about the dangerousness of Combs, citing security camera footage of him physically assaulting a victim in 2016.
Combs’ defense attorneys claimed the actions in the video were a result of intense emotions from a couple who “loved” each other. The lawyers said the two were fighting due to infidelity.
Carter responded, “What does that have to do with him punching her, throwing a vase at her? What’s love got to do with that?”
Combs’ defense attorneys say he will not have access to a cell phone
Combs’ attorneys assured a judge that the music mogul would not have access to a cell phone or the internet if he was granted house arrest instead of jail.
They proposed they would use a private intelligence company, Sage Intelligence, to monitor Combs 24/7.
Additionally, they would maintain a visitor log and only pre-approved guests, such as his mother, sister, children or the mothers of his children, would be permitted to come into his home.
They argue that Combs is “responsible” and “deeply respects” the court’s authority because he flew to New York ahead of the charges being brought against him.
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