Sean Combs’ sons Christian “King” Combs (left), Justin Combs (right) and Christian’s half brother Quincy Brown are seen leaving the federal courthouse after Combs was denied bail on Wednesday.
Combs must remain in custody at the MDC Brooklyn Detention Center until his criminal trial in 2025.
Judge Andrew L. Carter Jr. denied an appeal after Combs’ bond was rejected by a different judge on Tuesday. Judge Carter rejected Combs’ $50 million bond proposal on Wednesday because he posed a risk of witness tampering.
Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnofilo, described his client as a religious man who was “an altar boy” as a child. But Judge Carter said he still posed a danger to the safety of the community.
Carter rejected an amendment to the bond proposal in which Combs would have remained at his mansion on Star Island in Miami, Florida, without a cell phone or Internet access.
Agnofilo said Combs would be monitored around the clock by a private security force of former law enforcement officers.
Additionally, no women would be allowed to visit Combs except for his family and a pre-approved list of women.
Judge Carter noted that Combs contacted former Diddy-Dirty Money band member Kalenna Harper 58 times by text and phone before she released a statement.
Carter said Combs used his power and influence to keep potential witnesses under his control.
Harper contradicted former D-DM band member Dawn Richard who said Harper witnessed Combs assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura.
Richard sued Combs last week, alleging he groped her and threatened her.
The judge mentioned the chilling 2016 hotel surveillance video that shows Combs chasing Cassie down a hallway, throwing her to the floor, and kicking her before throwing a glass vase at her.
The judge said “that video is quite disturbing,” to which Combs nodded several times in agreement.
Without naming Cassie, Agnofilo said she was partly responsible for what happened to her. He said Cassie and Combs were both drug addicts who brought a third party into their “toxic” relationship.
One of the prosecutors said potential witnesses are so fearful of Combs that they won’t come forward unless the government assured their protection.
“His influence makes it so difficult for witnesses to share their experiences and trust that the government can keep them safe from him,” said prosecutor Emily A. Johnson.
The judge argued that even with 24-hour security and no phone or Internet access, Combs could still use employees to contact witnesses “through coded messages.”
Agnofilo complained about the conditions at MDC Brooklyn Detention Center, where Combs is housed in a special unit. He said the restrictions there would make it difficult for him to prepare for trial.
He told reporters he would request a speedy trial. “I’m going to do everything I can to move the case as quickly as possible,” Agnofilo said outside the courthouse.
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— Glock Topickz (@Glock_Topickz) September 18, 2024
