Sean “Diddy” Combs has reportedly made attempts to reach out to potential witnesses from behind bars in an effort to manipulate public perception prior to his impending sex trafficking trial, according to prosecutors.
These allegations were detailed in a filing within a Manhattan federal court that contests the 55-year-old musician‘s recent $50 million (£39 million) bail request. A hearing regarding bail is set for next week.
Combs has pleaded not guilty to accusations that he has coerced and mistreated women for a prolonged period with the assistance of an extensive network of aides and staff, while silencing victims through intimidation and violence, which includes kidnapping, arson, and physical assaults.
He asserts that his intimate relationships were consensual and strongly refutes all allegations of misconduct.
In the latest development of this ongoing case, prosecutors claim that a review of recorded phone calls from jail reveals Combs has solicited family members to contact potential victims and witnesses, urging them to construct “narratives” aimed at influencing the jury pool.
Furthermore, they state that he has advocated for marketing tactics intended to alter public perception.
The court submission read: “The defendant has consistently demonstrated – even while incarcerated – his willingness to egregiously disregard rules in order to improperly sway the outcome of his trial.”
“In essence, the defendant has proven he cannot be trusted to adhere to any rules or stipulations.”
Prosecutors noted that it could be inferred from his conduct that Combs aims to intimidate victims and witnesses into silence or to elicit testimony favorable to his defense.
Read more: What charges does Sean Combs face?
It is claimed that Combs began violating regulations almost immediately after being detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, following his arrest in September.
Two judges have determined that he poses a danger to the public and is at risk of fleeing, having denied two prior bail petitions.
In his most recent request, Combs’s attorneys referenced altered circumstances, including new evidence, which they argue justifies his release prior to the trial next year.
However, prosecutors contended that the defense team crafted their latest bail proposition utilizing some materials provided by the prosecution, and that the new evidence was already in the knowledge of defense attorneys when they submitted earlier bail requests.
In their statement to the judge, prosecutors asserted that Combs’s behavior while incarcerated necessitates his continued detention.
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They provided examples such as Combs engaging family members in orchestrating a social media effort centered around his birthday earlier this month, “with the goal of swaying the potential jurors in this criminal case.”
They assert that he encouraged his seven children to upload a video on their social media platforms showcasing a celebration for his birthday.
Subsequently, they claim he monitored the analytics, including audience interaction, from within the jail and “specifically discussed with his family how to guarantee that the video achieved his intended influence on potential jurors in this matter”.
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Prosecutors have also claimed that Combs made it known his intention to anonymously disseminate information that he believed would be beneficial to his defense team.
“The defendant’s attempts to undermine the integrity of these proceedings also encompass incessant efforts to reach out to potential witnesses, including victims of his alleged abuse who could provide significant testimony against him,” they stated.
Sky News has reached out to Combs’s attorney for a response.
Combs is presently held in custody in Manhattan. His criminal trial is scheduled to commence on May 5, 2025.
