### Hip-Hop Mogul Denied Bail Amid Allegations of Rule Violations and Witness Tampering

Sean "Diddy" Combs will remain in custody through Thanksgiving, following a federal judge's ruling on Wednesday. The judge accused Combs of repeatedly violating prison regulations and attempting to evade monitoring since his arrest.

U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian issued a five-page decision denying Combs' release on a proposed $50-million bail. Subramanian cited Combs' "serious risk of witness tampering" and pointed out Combs' previous actions of paying fellow inmates for phone access codes to contact unauthorized individuals.

"His willingness to skirt [Board of Prison] rules in a way that would make it more difficult for his communications to be monitored is strong evidence that the Court cannot be reasonably assured as to the sufficiency of any condition of release," Subramanian stated in his ruling.

This decision marks the third failed attempt by Combs' legal team to secure his release during his criminal trial. They most recently proposed that Combs be confined to his Upper West Side apartment in New York City under 24-hour surveillance, with strict limitations on his phone and visitation privileges.

However, Subramanian dismissed this request as insufficient. "Given the nature of the allegations in this case, and the information provided by the government, the Court doubts the sufficiency of any conditions that place trust in Combs and individuals in his employ-like a private security detail-to follow conditions," he wrote.

Combs is currently facing charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution. Federal prosecutors allege that the 55-year-old used his influence and network of employees to coerce female victims into engaging in sex acts with male prostitutes, often utilizing threats, force, drugs, and coercion. These incidents, referred to as "freak-offs," sometimes spanned multiple days, according to prosecutors.

In opposing Combs' bail attempts, prosecutors highlighted his continued efforts to tamper with witnesses and his habitual rule-breaking within the prison system. Subramanian echoed these concerns, determining that no combination of conditions could reasonably ensure the safety of the community and reduce the risk of witness tampering.

The judge also referenced a notorious security video showing Combs assaulting his then-girlfriend Cassandra "Cassie" Ventura at a Los Angeles hotel, citing it as "compelling evidence of Combs' propensity for violence."

Furthermore, Subramanian noted what he termed "misrepresentations" by Combs' attorneys during a recent emergency hearing. Combs' legal team had argued that notes labeled "legal" and seized from his cell should be considered privileged, an assertion the judge found untrustworthy under the circumstances.

"The circumstances of this incident, and the misrepresentations made at the November 19, 2024 hearing where Combs was present, bear on whether the Court can be reasonably assured that any conditions it imposes will be followed," Subramanian wrote.

As Combs remains behind bars, the legal battle continues to unfold, casting a shadow over his storied career in the music industry.