Federal Prosecutors Oppose Bail for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Amid Witness Tampering Allegations

Federal prosecutors are once again urging a judge not to grant bail to music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs, alleging that he has attempted to tamper with witnesses and influence potential jurors from his jail cell. According to a filing made late Friday, prosecutors claim that Combs has relentlessly tried to contact potential witnesses, including victims, to potentially influence their testimony. These efforts reportedly include the use of other inmates’ phone access codes and making three-way calls.

The founder of Bad Boy Records, Combs is accused of using a third-party service, ContactMeASAP, to reach unauthorized individuals. Although details of some allegations remain redacted, prosecutors provided an example of an October conversation between Combs and one of his adult sons, suggesting it was meant to blackmail witnesses into silence or into providing favorable testimony.

In addition, prosecutors claim Combs has sought to shape public opinion about his case via social media. A video posted by his son Justin on Instagram, which appears to address Combs as part of a strategic effort to sway potential jurors, allegedly shows the influence of Combs from behind bars.

Combs faces serious charges including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution. Initially denied bail over concerns of witness tampering, Combs remains detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn while awaiting trial, scheduled for May 2025.

In a Nov. 8 filing, Combs’ attorneys once again petitioned for his release on highly restrictive conditions, describing the prosecution’s case as «thin.» The attorneys argued that evidence, such as a 2016 video allegedly showing an assault, was taken out of context from a consensual relationship.

Legal representatives for Combs propose house arrest with continuous surveillance and nearly complete restrictions on his communication, barring essential legal interactions.

Recently, Combs’ attorneys accused federal prosecutors of «outrageous» conduct, highlighting the seizure of his personal notes containing privileged attorney-client material from his jail cell. This letter, addressed to Judge Arun Subramanian, called for an evidentiary hearing, suggesting a violation of Combs’ constitutional rights.

The prosecutors have admitted to obtaining these notes during a mass sweep of Bureau of Prisons facilities, arguing they indicate Combs’ attempts to influence witnesses. While a designated team reviewed these notes before being handed to prosecutors, Combs’ legal team is demanding clarity on the operation’s authorization and execution.

As Combs continues to battle for bail, his case remains a focal point of intense media scrutiny, with his next court appearance set for this Friday.