Diddy Accused of Witness Tampering and Public Manipulation from Jail, Prosecutors Argue Against $50M Bail
Sean “Diddy” Combs has allegedly attempted to manipulate witnesses and sway public opinion from jail, aiming to influence potential jurors ahead of his upcoming sex trafficking trial, according to prosecutors. The claims, detailed in a filing late Friday in Manhattan federal court, argue against Combs’ $50 million bail proposal, with a hearing scheduled next week.
Prosecutors allege that the 55-year-old music mogul used recorded jail calls to instruct family members to contact potential witnesses and victims, urging them to create “narratives” favorable to his defense. They further accuse him of devising marketing strategies to influence the jury pool.
Prosecutors: Combs Cannot Be Trusted
“The defendant has shown repeatedly — even while in custody — that he will flagrantly and repeatedly flout rules to improperly impact the outcome of his case,” prosecutors wrote, citing alleged attempts to blackmail witnesses into silence or coerce them into offering favorable testimony. Portions of the filing were redacted, suggesting sensitive information is being withheld from public disclosure.
Combs, who was arrested in September and is detained at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, has pleaded not guilty to charges that he coerced and abused women over several years. Prosecutors allege that Combs operated with the help of a network of associates who used violence, blackmail, and intimidation — including kidnapping and arson — to silence victims. Two judges have denied previous bail requests, labeling him both a danger to the community and a flight risk.
Social Media Strategy Under Scrutiny
Prosecutors detailed an incident where Combs allegedly orchestrated a social media campaign around his birthday. They claim he directed family members to share celebratory videos online to garner public sympathy. After the posts were made, Combs reportedly monitored their analytics from jail and discussed strategies to amplify their impact on potential jurors.
Additionally, Combs is accused of planning the anonymous release of information intended to benefit his defense, further demonstrating an intent to interfere with the judicial process, prosecutors said.
Defense’s New Bail Proposal
Defense attorneys recently filed a third request for bail, citing “changed circumstances” and new evidence. They argued that releasing Combs ahead of his May 5 trial would enable him to better prepare his defense. However, prosecutors countered that the defense’s claims rely on evidence that was already available during previous failed bail applications.
Prosecutors remain firm that Combs’ behavior while in custody proves he must remain detained. “The defendant’s efforts to obstruct the integrity of this proceeding include relentless attempts to contact potential witnesses,” they wrote, accusing him of targeting victims who could offer damaging testimony.
Combs’ legal team has yet to respond to the latest allegations.