Victim Advocates for Sean 'Diddy' Combs' Release on Bail
Sean "Diddy" Combs' legal team sought his release on a $50 million bond prior to his October 3 sentencing, presenting several exceptional reasons. These included a letter from a woman identifying herself as "Victim 3," who argued that Combs has not exhibited violent behavior for many years and that his release would enable him to better support his children.
The legal team also argued that Combs' "swinging" lifestyle should not be a valid basis for continued detention. Additionally, they claimed that Combs is facing ongoing threats of violence at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC), which has reportedly struggled with violence, staffing shortages, overcrowding, and power outages.
Furthermore, the team provided explanations and context regarding Combs' past violent incidents involving ex-girlfriends, which were discussed at trial. They also highlighted Combs' substantial ties to his family and community.
However, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian denied the motion for bail, stating that Combs failed to meet the burden to justify his release ahead of sentencing. The judge was not swayed by the combination of personal circumstances, safety concerns, and the victim's letter in favor of bail.
Virginia Huynh, known as "Victim 3" and Combs' ex-girlfriend, had requested his release on bail. Huynh, who described her relationship with Combs as having "ups and downs," stated that releasing Combs would allow him to support his children better and support the healing process for all involved. Huynh also believed that Combs has not been violent for many years and is willing to acknowledge his mistakes and make better decisions in the future.
Despite these arguments, the court ultimately deemed the exceptional reasons cited, which included the victim's letter, safety concerns at MDC, family support needs, and lifestyle context, insufficient to grant Combs release on bond before sentencing.
Combs has been held at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center for 11 months. A jury convicted Combs on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Despite this, Combs was acquitted of more serious charges, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.
Notably, Huynh was expected to be a key witness but did not appear during the trial. Prosecutors lost contact with Huynh and her attorney, raising concerns about her potential absence during the trial. Huynh was also identified as a person subjected to sexual coercion by Combs.
As Combs awaits his sentencing, it remains to be seen what the future holds for the music mogul.
The legal team argued that Sean "Diddy" Combs' involvement in the arts and entertainment industries could benefit from his release, maintaining that his contribution to these fields could be substantial if he was not incarcerated prior to sentencing.
Moreover, they contended that celebrities and individuals in the entertainment industry often face public scrutiny and criticism, which could escalate while Combs is detained at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center, posing additional risks to his safety and well-being.
