Sean “Diddy” Combs has been denied bail for a second time as he awaits sentencing on October 3 for two federal convictions related to transporting individuals across state lines for purposes of prostitution.
In a ruling issued Monday by US District Judge Arun Subramanian and seen by Complex, the court rejected a proposed 50 million dollar bond put forward by Combs’ legal team. The judge concluded that the high-profile music mogul had failed to meet the legal threshold to justify pre-sentencing release.
“As for risk of flight or danger, Combs fails to meet his burden by clear and convincing evidence for the reasons set forth on the record at the July 2 hearing,” the ruling stated. “Increasing the amount of the bond or devising additional conditions does not change the calculus given the circumstances and heavy burden of proof that Combs bears.”
The bail package had included a substantial bond secured by Combs’ Florida estate, electronic monitoring, and a commitment to travel restrictions. However, prosecutors argued that these measures were insufficient given the nature of the charges and Combs’ history.
In a motion filed on July 29, Combs’ defence team argued that he is being unfairly singled out under the Mann Act, a century-old statute originally enacted to combat human trafficking. “There has literally never been a case like this one,” the motion stated. “Sean Combs should not be in jail for this conduct.”
The defence further accused the government of straying from its own policy by targeting an individual rather than a commercial entity in a sex-related prosecution. They pointed out that Combs had voluntarily enrolled in a domestic violence program before his arrest and maintained that he poses no threat to the community.
The case has drawn widespread attention not only because of Combs’ celebrity status but also due to the legal novelty of the charges. In June, a jury convicted Combs on two counts under the Mann Act but cleared him of related charges including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.
While the denial of bail leaves Combs in federal custody at least until sentencing, attention has shifted to the White House as former adversary turned potential saviour Donald Trump floats the possibility of a presidential pardon.
Speaking last week, President Trump acknowledged he was considering leniency for the Bad Boy Records founder but said past political tensions between the two men complicated the decision.
“He was essentially I guess sort of half innocent,” Trump told reporters. “He was celebrating a victory but I guess it wasn’t as good of a victory.”
Trump added, “It’s hard you know. We’re human beings. And we don’t like to have things cloud our judgment right? But when you knew someone and you were fine and then you run for office and he made some terrible statements. So I don’t know… it makes it more difficult to do.”
Combs’ legal future now hangs in the balance as he faces a potential prison sentence under a rarely enforced federal law and the unlikely prospect of presidential intervention.
The Department of Justice has yet to comment publicly on Trump’s remarks.
