Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs accused of obstructing justice while in custody

Prosecutors claim Combs used inmates’ telephone accounts and engaged in unauthorised three-way calls to contact individuals not approved by prison regulations.

By: Express Web Desk

November 18, 2024 08:15 AM IST

2 min read

The charges against Combs follow a lawsuit last year from his former partner, Cassie Ventura, who accused him of physical abuse and coercion into non-consensual sexual acts. (AP)

Federal prosecutors have alleged that music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, currently detained at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Centre, has violated prison rules in efforts to manipulate witness testimony and influence jury opinion, according to court documents cited by NBC News.

The 55-year-old faces charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and related crimes but has pleaded not guilty. Despite his legal team’s efforts to secure bail, prosecutors argue that Combs has continued to obstruct justice from behind bars.

Prosecutors claim Combs used inmates’ telephone accounts and engaged in unauthorised three-way calls to contact individuals not approved by prison regulations. He is also accused of directing his family to approach witnesses and promote social media narratives aimed at swaying a potential jury ahead of his trial in May.

According to filings, he even monitored the engagement analytics of social media posts shared by his children, allegedly discussing how to maximise their impact on public perception.

The document further alleges Combs ordered payments to inmates and used coercive tactics to silence victims or secure favourable testimony. Prosecutors contend these actions prove no bail conditions could mitigate the risks he poses, citing his ability to enlist others, including family and staff, in furthering his agenda.

Also read | Diddy faces new sexual assault lawsuits, including claims involving a minor

The charges against Combs follow a lawsuit last year from his former partner, Cassie Ventura, who accused him of physical abuse and coercion into non-consensual sexual acts. While Combs denied the claims, surveillance footage of him assaulting Ventura in 2016 later surfaced.

Although this case was swiftly settled, additional lawsuits alleging sexual abuse by Combs have since emerged. He denies all allegations. NBC News reports that Combs remains under investigation following raids on his properties earlier this year.

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