Arrested since September, the American rapper and producer is awaiting trial. The defense continues to ask for release on bail of 50 million dollars
American rapper and producer Sean Combsbetter known as P. Diddyhe is accused of attempting to contact potential witnesses, in what U.S. government prosecutors called “tireless efforts.”
The music mogul was arrested on September 16, accused of sex trafficking and extortion, among other crimes. Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is awaiting trial, scheduled for May 5, 2025, at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn, New York. He was denied bail. Since then, dozens of new accusations have emerged that weigh ever more heavily against the star.
According to information from The new times of Torkin court documents filed on Friday the 15th, prosecutors charged Combs with continuous attempt to hinder the case federal. The rapper is reportedly evading government monitoring based on phone calls to three people, to contact associates, allegedly part of Diddy’s “criminal enterprise.”
He also allegedly made unauthorized calls, purchasing the telephone privileges of at least eight inmates. Prosecutors consider them evidence of failure to comply with prison rules.
The government also alleges that Diddy used communication with the family to plan a “public relations” strategy, trying to influence perceptions of the case. They cite the star’s involvement in posting a video on Instagram of his children celebrating his birthday. “The defendant has demonstrated an unusual ability to convince others to do his bidding: MDC employees, family members, and inmates,” the document states.
The promoters highlight, according to the The new Tork Times, called a witness Kalena Harperartist who was part of the musical group Diddy-Dirty Money together with Diddy and the singer dawn Riccardo.
Dawn filed a lawsuit shortly before Combs’ arrest, accusing him of harassment and threats. The case was closed. The government alleges that Kalenna was pressured to post a statement on his social media opposing Dawn’s allegations. The defense claims that the post was created voluntarily.
The argument is supported by the information that new evidence has been found about communication between Diddy and Kalenna. In a recent MDC search, as part of efforts to resolve complaints about poor prison conditions, investigators from the Federal Bureau of Prisons (a federal agency under the U.S. Department of Justice) reportedly found notes in Combs’ cell indicating that a payment had been made to Kalenna following the social media post.
The rapper’s lawyers contested the prison investigation. They state, according to the The new Tork Times, that Combs was removed from his cell while officers “searched” his notes and seized his pens, preventing him from taking notes on developments in the case. They also contest the inability to procure a secure laptop for the client to prepare for the trial.
In the detention center, Combs is in a special housing unit where famous people often stay. The rapper’s defense continues to ask for release on bail of 50 million dollars, which has already been denied several times. A new hearing is expected to be held next week.
In addition to bail, they also proposed 24-hour monitoring of Diddy at his Miami mansion by a private security team. He would have no access to the phone or the Internet and would obey instructions about who he can and cannot contact.
Prosecutors, however, counter that Diddy still poses a threat to his victims and witnesses, as well as citing “problems [de controle] of anger and substance abuse” by the rapper.
The judge who denied bail in September declined to participate in the case again, having worked with a new lawyer hired by Combs’ team. The new judge in the case is the defense’s hope.
Source: Terra
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
