Sex Trafficking: Diddy Begs Court For $50m Bail

Sean “Diddy” Combs is seeking release from jail on a $50m bail bond ahead of his October 3 sentencing, following his partial acquittal in a high-profile sex crimes trial.

His legal team on Tuesday urged the presiding judge to approve the request, citing dangerous jail conditions and what they described as an unusually harsh treatment for the charges he was convicted of.

In a motion filed in federal court, Combs’ lead attorney, Marc Agnifilo, argued that his client should not be behind bars while awaiting sentencing, especially since he was found not guilty of the most serious accusations, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.

The charges carried the possibility of life in prison, but a jury acquitted Combs on July 2 after a six-week trial.

Combs, 55, was instead convicted on two lesser counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, which may attract less than 10 years ‘ maximum per count.

His lawyers stressed that most defendants in similar cases are not held in custody before sentencing, especially when they are not accused of profiting from prostitution.

“Sean Combs should not be in jail for this conduct. In fact, he may be the only person currently in a United States jail for it,” Agnifilo wrote in the court filing.

Combs has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Centre (MDC) in Brooklyn since September 2024. His lawyers described the facility as unsafe, claiming that there have been multiple violent incidents in his unit.

They argued that these conditions, along with the nature of his conviction, amount to “exceptional circumstances” that should justify his release on bail.

The U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian previously denied an immediate bail request after the verdict, pointing to extensive evidence of violent behaviour presented during the trial.

Prosecutors had alleged that the music mogul used intimidation, drugs, and the resources of his Bad Boy Records empire to pressure two former girlfriends into taking part in multi-day sex sessions with male escorts, known as “freak-offs.”

Combs pleaded not guilty and maintained that the women were willing participants. His legal team is now highlighting what they see as inconsistencies in how the case has been handled, pointing out that prosecution for such prostitution-related conduct, particularly when no profit is involved, is rare.

The U.S. Bureau of Prisons, which manages the MDC, said it is taking “intensive efforts” to improve safety and conditions at the facility, though it did not respond directly to Combs’ specific concerns.

Similarly, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Manhattan, which brought the case, has yet to comment on the latest bail request.

Combs will remain in custody unless the judge grants the motion before his October sentencing date.