Sean “Diddy” Combs has made a new request for bail.
The 55-year-old rapper is currently behind bars in New York City after he was indicted on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. But earlier this month, his attorneys filed a new motion requesting bail, arguing that new evidence justifies him being released ahead of his trial. Diddy’s net worth was estimated at $1 billion before his arrest, making him one of hip-hop’s wealthiest figures.
Diddy lawyers says case against client is ‘thin’
In the latest motion for bail, which has been seen by PEOPLE, Combs’ legal team has described the prosecution’s case as “thin.” Legal experts note that this type of characterization is common in high-profile cases, though its effectiveness varies significantly.
What’s more, the legal team has questioned the relevance of a 2016 CCTV video in which the music mogul appears to violently assault a woman in a Los Angeles hotel. The hotel in question is a luxury establishment where rooms can cost upwards of $5,000 per night.
“The video is not evidence of a coerced ‘freak off,’ but rather a minutes-long glimpse into a complex but decade-long consensual relationship between Mr. Combs and Victim 1,” Combs’ lawyers contend in the filing. This case has drawn significant media attention, with over 500 news outlets covering the story worldwide.
Diddy’s lawyers make ‘far more robust’ request
Combs, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges, has already been denied bail by two federal judges. But his attorneys insist that their latest proposal is “far more robust than the previous” one. Federal statistics show that only about 25 percent of defendants succeed in bail appeals after initial denials.
Combs’ lawyers previously requested that the rapper be freed on bond, pending trial, after paying a sum of $50 million. This proposed bail amount would have been among the highest in U.S. criminal justice history.
However, following a lengthy debate between legal teams on whether Combs represented a flight risk, Magistrate Judge Robyn Tarnofsky announced that the rap star will remain in detention until his trial begins. The average length of federal criminal trials similar to this case typically ranges from six to 18 months.
Marc Agnifilo, his attorney, later explained that the music star is determined to “establish his innocence.” Agnifilo has previously represented several high-profile clients in similar cases, with a notable success rate in federal courts.
“He’s going to fight this,” Agnifilo told reporters. “He’s innocent. He came to New York to establish his innocence.” The legal team has assembled a group of over 20 attorneys and investigators to work on the case.
Lawyers ‘believe in him wholeheartedly’
“We believe in him wholeheartedly,” Agnifilo said. “He didn’t do these things. There’s no coercion and no crime.”
The defense team has reportedly collected statements from more than 100 potential witnesses and reviewed thousands of hours of surveillance footage.
This case marks a significant turning point in Combs’ career, which spans over three decades in the music industry. As founder of Bad Boy Records, he has launched the careers of numerous artists and sold millions of records worldwide. His business empire extends beyond music to include successful ventures in fashion, spirits, and media, with annual revenues exceeding $100 million before his arrest.
The proceedings have drawn attention to broader issues within the entertainment industry, with advocacy groups using the case to highlight concerns about power dynamics and accountability in the music business. Industry experts estimate that similar cases have led to significant reforms in artist management and label practices over the past decade.
