Prosecutors Allege Sean 'Diddy' Combs Tried to Tamper with Witnesses, Influence Jurors from Jail
Nov 20, 11:00 AM
Federal prosecutors are urging a judge not to grant Sean "Diddy" Combs bail, accusing the music mogul of witness tampering and attempting to influence potential jurors from his cell in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. Combs, the founder of Bad Boy Records, faces serious charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation for the purpose of engaging in prostitution.
In a motion filed Friday, prosecutors emphasized that Combs has made relentless efforts to contact witnesses, including some of his alleged victims. They claim that Combs has gone to great lengths to manipulate the judicial process, using unauthorized communication methods and involving his children to gain sympathy from the public.
"Despite being in jail, the defendant has managed to communicate with multiple individuals he should not have contacted," prosecutors wrote. "These efforts include using PAC numbers belonging to other inmates and making three-way calls to reach out to individuals, including his sons and other key witnesses."
One of the most concerning allegations involves Combs’ use of a third-party communication service, ContactMeASAP, which allowed him to bypass standard jail communication protocols. Details of specific calls remain redacted, but prosecutors referenced a phone call between Combs and one of his sons in October. While the contents of that call are not fully disclosed, authorities suggest it implies a strategy to silence or manipulate victims and witnesses.
According to the prosecutors, the call "provides the clear inference that the defendant’s goal is to blackmail victims and witnesses either into silence or providing testimony helpful to his defense."
Combs has also allegedly tried to sway public perception of his case. Prosecutors highlighted an incident in which Combs' son, Justin, posted a video on Instagram of the family singing happy birthday to the jailed music mogul. Combs, who turned 55 on Nov. 4, allegedly monitored the video’s analytics from jail, instructing his family on how to maximize its impact. "The defendant discussed ways to ensure that the video had his desired effect on potential jury members in this case," prosecutors claimed.
Combs' legal team has pushed back, arguing that the accusations are overblown. They insist that the charges are not as strong as prosecutors claim and that certain incidents, like a 2016 video showing him allegedly assaulting a woman in a Los Angeles hotel, have been misconstrued. “The video is not evidence of a coerced 'freak off,' but rather a minutes-long glimpse into a complex but decade-long consensual relationship between Mr. Combs and Victim 1,” the defense countered in a Nov. 8 filing.
Seeking another shot at bail, Combs' attorneys have proposed stringent release conditions. The defense suggested home detention, 24/7 security monitoring, and severe restrictions on his ability to communicate with anyone besides his legal team. They maintain that the current pre-trial detention is excessive, given the circumstances.
Combs' next opportunity to argue for bail comes as his case moves closer to trial, currently set for May 2025. As he continues to plead not guilty, the defense and prosecution remain locked in a battle over the mogul's conduct behind bars and the strength of the case against him.
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In a motion filed Friday, prosecutors emphasized that Combs has made relentless efforts to contact witnesses, including some of his alleged victims. They claim that Combs has gone to great lengths to manipulate the judicial process, using unauthorized communication methods and involving his children to gain sympathy from the public.
"Despite being in jail, the defendant has managed to communicate with multiple individuals he should not have contacted," prosecutors wrote. "These efforts include using PAC numbers belonging to other inmates and making three-way calls to reach out to individuals, including his sons and other key witnesses."
One of the most concerning allegations involves Combs’ use of a third-party communication service, ContactMeASAP, which allowed him to bypass standard jail communication protocols. Details of specific calls remain redacted, but prosecutors referenced a phone call between Combs and one of his sons in October. While the contents of that call are not fully disclosed, authorities suggest it implies a strategy to silence or manipulate victims and witnesses.
According to the prosecutors, the call "provides the clear inference that the defendant’s goal is to blackmail victims and witnesses either into silence or providing testimony helpful to his defense."
Combs has also allegedly tried to sway public perception of his case. Prosecutors highlighted an incident in which Combs' son, Justin, posted a video on Instagram of the family singing happy birthday to the jailed music mogul. Combs, who turned 55 on Nov. 4, allegedly monitored the video’s analytics from jail, instructing his family on how to maximize its impact. "The defendant discussed ways to ensure that the video had his desired effect on potential jury members in this case," prosecutors claimed.
Combs' legal team has pushed back, arguing that the accusations are overblown. They insist that the charges are not as strong as prosecutors claim and that certain incidents, like a 2016 video showing him allegedly assaulting a woman in a Los Angeles hotel, have been misconstrued. “The video is not evidence of a coerced 'freak off,' but rather a minutes-long glimpse into a complex but decade-long consensual relationship between Mr. Combs and Victim 1,” the defense countered in a Nov. 8 filing.
Seeking another shot at bail, Combs' attorneys have proposed stringent release conditions. The defense suggested home detention, 24/7 security monitoring, and severe restrictions on his ability to communicate with anyone besides his legal team. They maintain that the current pre-trial detention is excessive, given the circumstances.
Combs' next opportunity to argue for bail comes as his case moves closer to trial, currently set for May 2025. As he continues to plead not guilty, the defense and prosecution remain locked in a battle over the mogul's conduct behind bars and the strength of the case against him.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com