NEW YORK – Sean “Diddy” Combs’ will remain behind bars for now, a judge ruled on Wednesday, after the music mogul was cleared of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have put him behind bars for life but found guilty of lesser prostitution-related offenses.
In rejecting the defense’s request for bail, US District Judge Arun Subramanian said prosecutors had presented ample evidence at Combs’ trial that he had committed violent acts and should remain in jail until his sentencing on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
“It is impossible for the defendant to demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that he poses no danger,” Subramanian said during a hearing in Manhattan federal court hours after the verdict.
The seven-week trial focused on allegations that Combs forced two of his former girlfriends to partake in drug-fueled, days-long sexual performances sometimes known as “Freak Offs” with male sex workers in hotel rooms while Combs watched, masturbated and occasionally filmed.
Both women – the rhythm and blues singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, and a woman known in court by the pseudonym Jane – testified that he beat them and threatened to withhold financial support or leak sexually explicit images of them.
As Subramanian denied bail, Combs stared straight ahead and one of his family members in the courtroom gallery hung their head.
It was a far cry from the jubilant reaction after the verdict.
“I’m gonna be home soon,” Combs said, prompting applause and cheers from his family and supporters. “Thank you, I love you.”
The 12-member jury unanimously acquitted Combs of racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking Ventura and Jane. The Bad Boy Records founder could have faced life in prison if convicted on those counts.
Combs, once famed for hosting lavish parties for the cultural elite in luxurious locales like the Hamptons and Saint-Tropez, had pleaded not guilty to all five counts.
