Music legend Sean “Diddy” Combs is still behind bars after federal Judge Robin Tarnofsky in New York rejected his $50 million bail on Sept. 17.
Combs allegedly used his fame to coerce women into engaging in abusive acts that included human trafficking and racketeering, according to three federal counts filed against him by prosecutors on Tuesday.
In Manhattan federal court, Combs pleaded not guilty just hours after the 14-page indictment was made public. Following Combs’ arrest on Monday, U.S. Magistrate Judge Robin Tarnofsky granted prosecutors’ request that Combs be held until trial.
Following the court ruling, Diddy is now held in custody awaiting trial while his legal team fights for his release.
According to prosecutors, the rapper and producer crossed state lines to attend recorded performances using his vast business empire, which includes his record company Bad Boy Entertainment.
Combs’ attorney, Mark Agnifilo, described the actions described by prosecutors as consensual, possibly hinting at his defense plan.
“Does everybody have the experience of being intimate like that? No. Is it trafficking? No. It’s not if everybody wants to be there,” Agnifilo said in court, according to Reuters.
If Combs is convicted of three felony counts of human trafficking, engaging in prostitution by transportation, and conspiracy to commit racketeering, he could face life in prison with a minimum of 15 years.
According to prosecutors, Combs lured the women with money, substances such as ecstasy and ketamine, or assurances of personal relationships or professional help. After that, authorities said Combs used secret recordings of the acts as “collateral” to ensure the women’s silence. He also sometimes brandished guns to intimidate witnesses and victims of abuse.
The indictment did not specify the number of women who were allegedly victims. It claimed that Combs physically assaulted the women by kicking, dragging and throwing items at them. Prosecutors claimed that in an attempt to hide his actions, Combs and his associates participated in the violence, including kidnapping.
Combs appeared in court wearing a black T-shirt and gray sweatpants. He picked up a thin microphone from the defense table and said, “Not guilty,” in response to a question from Tarnofsky about his preferred plea.
In denying bail, the judge said, “My concern is that this is a crime that occurs behind closed doors.” Combs was escorted out of the courtroom by U.S. Marshals officers.
Defense attorney Mark Agnifilo announced he would fight his client’s ongoing prison sentence at a hearing Wednesday before U.S. District Judge Andrew Carter, who will preside over the remainder of the case.
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Internet expresses surprise at Combs’ $50 million bond offer
Meanwhile, social media users were shocked by Combs’ $50 million bond offer to get out of jail, with one X user wondering: “Was that Diddy’s last day as a free man?”
“So Diddy is accused of doing 10 times more than Harvey Weinstein. Weinstein’s bail was $5 million. Diddy’s bond was $50 million,” another wrote.
Weinstein was charged with eleven counts of sexual abuse, forcible oral copulation, and rape based on alleged incidents that occurred between 2004 and 2013.
“50M is crazy! He’s a huge culprit,” a third user said.
“This is like a black Jeffrey Epstein,” a fourth user commented.
