Superstar producer and businessman Sean "Diddy" Combs will remain in jail after a judge denied his release on bail on Tuesday, facing charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy – accusations that follow numerous others grounded in events from 2009 onwards. Combs pleaded not guilty Tuesday to racketeering and sex trafficking charges, and was ordered to remain in custody pending a trial. Combs, 54, was arrested by federal agents in on Monday evening and accused in a just-unsealed three-count criminal indictment alleging he sexually abused women and coerced them into drug-fueled sex parties using threats and violence.
Appearing in a Manhattan courtroom where many family members came to support him, the one-time music dignitary pleaded not guilty. His lawyer asked Magistrate Judge Robyn Tarnofsky to allow his release on bail. After a lengthy bail hearing in which the prosecution voiced concerns including the potential for witness tampering and flight risk, Judge Tarnofsky denied bail, saying she was concerned about a "power imbalance" in the case that includes people she said are "subject to coercion.
" She also cited concerns over his alleged propensity for anger, violence and substance abuse. Combs, who was wearing black t-shirt, grey sweatpants and sneakers, did not noticeably react to the pre-trial detention ruling, which his attorney, Marc Agnifilo, said would be appealed. Along with racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, Combs is charged with one count of.