Judge Arun Subramanian ruled to deny bail for Sean “Diddy” Combs on Friday.
Both federal prosecutors and Combs’ attorneys submitted their final letters about whether the music mogul should be allowed out on bail on Monday.
Prosecutors argued that Combs’ attempt to influence witnesses while in jail “constitutes obstruction” of his criminal case. They also called out Combs’ “recent efforts to influence the jury pool” through a social media campaign organized by his children.
Defense attorneys said that their client’s conduct was protected free speech, meant to combat “outrageous claims about Mr. Combs” by “government agents, plaintiffs’ attorneys, and others with questionable motives.”
Subramanian had asked the parties to submit these final arguments in writing and said he would issue a written decision on bail.
Combs, who pleaded not guilty to racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and prostitution charges, has offered to remain on home confinement in a three-bedroom apartment on Manhattan’s Upper East Side with 24/7 security guards and restrictions on visitors and communications.
Last Friday, the defense called the proposed conditions “far more restrictive” than Combs faces in jail.
They included limiting phone calls to lawyers, restricting visitors other than lawyers and specific family members, keeping a visitation log, and avoiding contact with witnesses or potential witnesses.
However, federal prosecutors have said there are no conditions that can reduce Combs’ risk of tampering with witnesses or shaping the opinions of potential jurors.
They also brought up a 2016 video of Combs attacking then-girlfriend and protégé Cassie Ventura in a hotel hallway, saying that it showed the danger he could pose to women if allowed out on bail.
In court last Friday, prosecutors summarily said that Combs “cannot be trusted” to follow the rules of a pretrial release.
Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Related Posts
*NSYNC’s Lance Bass says he lost a major TV role after he came out
December 6, 2024
Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images for CarusoIn 2006, a few years after the group went on hiatus,…
Music Notes: Charli XCX, Noah Kahan and more
December 6, 2024
Charli XCX has just received what's probably one of the more unusual honors she'll ever get: She's…
New Music Friday: Teddy Swims, Rosé, Joe Jonas & more
December 6, 2024
After dropping a duet with country superstar Thomas Rhett a few weeks ago, Teddy Swims has teamed…
Keira Knightley reflects on the ‘creep factor’ in famous ‘Love Actually’ scene
December 6, 2024
Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty ImagesKeira Knightley recently reflected on one of the…
Hozier releases new song ‘Hymn to Virgil’ off deluxe ‘Unreal Unearth’ album
December 6, 2024
ABC/Paula LoboHozier has released a new song called "Hymn to Virgil."The track is included on the…
Noah Kahan, Chappell Roan, Shaboozey, Tyla make the ‘Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list
December 6, 2024
Pooneh GhanaForbes is out with its annual 30 Under 30 list, cutting down thousands of nominations…
Cynthia Erivo speaks out against Ariana Grande’s cyberbullies: ‘Quite dangerous’
December 6, 2024
David Becker/WireImage via Getty ImagesCynthia Erivo has Ariana Grande's back.While in conversation…
Britney Spears didn’t really move to Mexico — or did she?
December 6, 2024
Despite what she said in a recent Instagram post, Britney Spears hasn't moved out of the U.S.The…