American rapper and producer Sean “Diddy” Combs is now facing allegations of tampering with witnesses and manipulating public opinion from jail as he awaits trial on sex trafficking charges, according to The Guardian.
In a court filing Friday, prosecutors urged a Manhattan federal judge to deny the music mogul’s third attempt at bail, citing his recorded calls from jail as evidence of his efforts to influence the case.
Prosecutors accused Combs of having asked family members to contact potential witnesses and victims to create “narratives” aimed at swaying public perception and influencing potential jurors.
They alleged that he orchestrated social media campaigns to generate sympathy and mislead the jury pool, including enlisting his children to post videos celebrating his birthday, which he then monitored for audience engagement.
“The defendant has repeatedly shown that he will flout rules to improperly impact the outcome of his case,” prosecutors asserted in the filing. “He cannot be trusted to abide by any conditions of release.”
Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges of coercing and abusing women over several years with the help of associates. Prosecutors allege he silenced victims through blackmail, violence, and threats, including kidnapping and arson.
Two judges have already deemed him a danger to the community and a flight risk, leading to the rejection of previous bail requests.
Defense attorneys have argued that Combs’ latest USD 50 million bail proposal reflects “changed circumstances,” including new evidence. They claimed he should be released to better prepare for his trial, which will begin on May 5, 2025.
Prosecutors dismissed the argument, saying that defense attorneys based their new bail application on evidence already known to them during earlier hearings. They argued that Combs’ actions while behind bars demonstrate his unwillingness to comply with any restrictions.
The filing detailed claims that Combs planned to anonymously release information favorable to his defense while using his family to target witnesses and victims for influence. Prosecutors said his behavior suggested attempts to blackmail witnesses into silence or testimony supportive of his case.
Combs, who has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his September arrest, also allegedly coordinated social media marketing strategies aimed at shaping public opinion in his favor.