Sean “Diddy” Combs has once again sought to be released from jail ahead of his criminal trial, which is scheduled for May 2025.
On Friday, Combs’ legal team filed a new request to have the hip-hop mogul released from the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, offering what they called a “substantial and comprehensive bail package.” This is Combs’ latest attempt to secure bail, after multiple previous attempts were denied by various judges.
According to court filings reviewed by USA TODAY, Combs’ attorneys have added new conditions to their previous bail proposals to further assert that he is not a flight risk. They also argued that the evidence presented by the government in relation to his alleged crimes—including racketeering, sex trafficking, and transporting individuals for prostitution—does not support the severity of the charges as claimed.
Combs’ defense team also emphasized that his continued detention is hindering his ability to prepare for his trial, given his limited access to legal counsel and the evidence that will be presented against him.
New Bail Proposal: $50 Million Bond, Home Detention, and No Internet Access
This marks Combs’ fourth attempt to gain release before his trial, following two earlier motions filed around the time he was charged, and a failed appeal in the Second Circuit Court of Appeals last September.
The new proposal includes a $50 million bond secured by the equity in Combs’ and his mother’s Florida properties, 24/7 monitoring by approved security personnel, no access to the internet or phones outside of meetings with his legal team, and a list of pre-approved visitors consisting only of close family members. The proposal also includes the surrender of passports for Combs and his family.
As part of the new motion, Combs has offered to be placed under “full home detention” either at his $48 million Miami home or at another suitable location in New York. His family visits would be monitored by assigned security, and he would be subject to random drug testing as needed.
Previous Bail Denials and Legal Setbacks
Combs’ first attempt at securing bail was rejected by U.S. Magistrate Judge Robyn Tarnofsky, who sided with federal prosecutors’ argument that he posed a flight risk if granted home detention. The following day, Judge Andrew L. Carter, Jr.—who has since recused himself from the case—also denied Combs’ request, asserting that no amount of bail could guarantee that Combs wouldn’t interfere with witnesses.
Last month, federal appeals judge William J. Nardini denied Combs’ request for immediate release while his bail motion is pending. Nardini referred the matter to a three-judge panel in the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.
Combs’ Legal Team: Jail Conditions Preventing Adequate Trial Preparation
Combs’ defense team has argued that the conditions at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC), where he has been held since his arraignment on September 17, are preventing him from adequately preparing for his defense. They point to the fact that Combs has not been able to access a “compliant” laptop—provided by his lawyers a month ago—that would allow him to review critical evidence for his defense. Frequent lockdowns and searches at the MDC are also preventing him from meeting with his legal team and accessing necessary materials like pens and paper.
“Even assuming Mr. Combs obtains a laptop and counsel is able to share critical discovery with him and visit him at the MDC every day, uninterrupted, it will be impossible for Mr. Combs to review this incredible volume of evidence under the present conditions,” Combs’ attorneys wrote in the filing.
Disputing the Government’s Evidence Against Combs
Combs’ legal team has also pushed back on the prosecution’s evidence, which they claim does not provide solid proof of his involvement in criminal activity. They argue that the “23.5 terabytes of discovery material,” including video evidence, is not as incriminating as the government suggests.
In particular, Combs’ attorneys have referred to evidence related to Combs’ ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, who filed a lawsuit in November 2023 accusing him of rape, abuse, and sex trafficking. The case gained media attention in May when CNN aired hotel surveillance footage from 2016 showing Combs allegedly kicking, hitting, and dragging Cassie. Combs’ legal team argues that the footage reflects the toxic nature of their long-term relationship, rather than evidence of sex trafficking.
Prosecutors, however, have described the March 5, 2016 incident as powerful evidence of trafficking and forceful behavior during what they call a “freak off.” They also claim to have interviewed 50 alleged victims and witnesses, and gathered evidence from at least 130 electronic devices during their investigation.
Appeal for Family Reunification
In addition to the bail motion, Combs’ attorneys have appealed to the court to allow him to be reunited with his family. They noted that Combs’ seven children and his mother support him and that his young daughter, now 2 years old, has not seen her father since his incarceration.
Judge Denies Request for Gag Order
On Friday, Judge Subramanian, who is overseeing Combs’ federal criminal case, also ruled against the defense’s request for a gag order. The defense sought an order to prevent potential witnesses and accusers from making public statements that could interfere with Combs’ right to a fair trial.
However, Judge Subramanian rejected this request, ruling that it was too broad and would unnecessarily restrict speech. He noted that not all alleged victims would participate in the trial and that imposing such a restriction could silence individuals who might not even be involved in the case.
In an earlier ruling, the judge declined to issue a gag order against government agents, whom Combs’ legal team has accused of leaking information to the press. Instead, Subramanian emphasized that both parties must adhere to laws that prohibit the disclosure of grand jury proceedings and non-public information that could impact a fair trial.