NEW YORK — A second judge refused to grant bail to Sean 'Diddy' Combs on Wednesday, saying the government had proved "by clear and convincing evidence" that no amount of bail could guarantee the hip-hop mogul won't tamper with witnesses. U.S.
District Judge Andrew L. Carter handed down the ruling after prosecutors and defense lawyers presented strenuous arguments for and against a $50 million bail package that would have allowed Combs to be released to home detention with GPS monitoring and strict limitations on who could visit him. Combs, 54, pleaded not guilty Tuesday after an indictment accused him of using his "power and prestige" to induce female victims and male sex workers into drugged-up, elaborately produced sexual performances dubbed "Freak Offs" that Combs arranged, participated in and often recorded.
The events would sometimes last days, the indictment said. The indictment alleges he coerced and abused women for years, with the help of a network of associates and employees, while using blackmail and violent acts including kidnapping, arson and beatings to keep victims from speaking out. Combs has been in federal custody since his arrest Monday night at a Manhattan hotel.
Arguing to keep him locked up, prosecutor Emily Johnson told U.S. District Judge Andrew L.
Carter that the once-celebrated rapper has a long history of intimidating accusers and witnesses to his alleged abuse. She cited text messages from women who said Combs forced them into "Freak Offs" and th.