Sean “Diddy” Combs, the legendary hip-hop producer and mogul, has been denied bail after pleading not guilty in a New York federal court on Tuesday.
The 54-year-old music icon faces serious charges including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
Federal prosecutors argued successfully for his continued detention, citing him as a “serious flight risk” during the hearing. US Magistrate Judge Robyn Tarnofsky remanded Mr Combs in custody as his defence team prepared to appeal the decision.
Prosecutors allege that since at least 2008, Mr Combs has run a “criminal enterprise” that preyed on women, using drugs and violence to coerce them into fulfilling his sexual desires. The indictment describes instances of forced sex acts, referred to as “Freak Offs,” during which victims were allegedly plied with controlled substances to ensure compliance.
US prosecutor Damian Williams revealed at a news briefing that federal agents had found firearms, ammunition, and over 1,000 bottles of lubricant during raids on Mr Combs’s properties in Miami and Los Angeles. Among the items seized were three semi-automatic rifles with defaced serial numbers and a drum magazine, which could lead to further charges.
If convicted on all counts, Mr Combs could face a sentence ranging from 15 years to life in prison.
Defence lawyer Marc Agnifilo remained adamant about his client’s innocence, stating, “There’s no coercion and no crime. He’s not afraid of the charges.”
An appeal of the bail decision has been scheduled for Wednesday.
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