On Tuesday, Sean “Diddy” Combs asked a New York federal court to release him as he awaits sentencing for prostitution.
Combs’ lawyers argued that “exceptional” circumstances surrounding his case warrant his release on $50 million bond. They claimed that the 1910 Mann Act — which was invoked in this case — has never been used to prosecute someone in a consensual “swingers” lifestyle, according to The New York Times.
On July 2, Combs was found guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution and acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering. Combs’ lawyers sought to have him released immediately on a $1 million bond.
Judge Arun Subramanian denied that request, citing the defense’s own words about Combs’ violent behavior towards his former girlfriends. He noted that Combs’ violence and illegal activity continued even after federal agents searched his home.
Subramanian concluded that Combs’ actions showed his “disregard for the rule of law and a propensity of violence.” A lawyer for Combs’ ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, also submitted a letter to the court, urging against Combs’ release.
Jurors heard testimony from three women who accused Combs of physical or sexual abuse. Ventura, who dated Combs from 2007 to 2018, testified that Combs “stifled” her music career while forcing her to participate in “freak offs,” which often entailed her having sex with other men in Combs’ presence. Ventura said the drug-fueled ordeals left her sleep-deprived and dehydrated, as they would last for days on end.
Another victim, who used the alias “Mia,” worked as Combs’ assistant for eight years. She accused Combs of forcing her to perform oral sex and sneaking into her bed to penetrate her without her consent. She also claimed Combs hurled objects at her and threw her against a wall.
A third woman, who used the pseudonym “Jane,” dated Combs from 2021 to 2024. She testified about “hotel nights,” which allegedly were sexual rendezvous arranged by Combs. Combs reportedly watched these encounters, which Jane said she had to be under the influence of drugs to participate.
The defense did not call a single witness to testify. Instead, they presented texts between Combs and the alleged victims, which they believe proved the sex encounters were consensual and non-coercive. They compared Combs and Ventura to “swingers” — and claimed the issues in their relationship stemmed from Combs dating other women, not from the alleged “freak offs.”
Combs turned down a plea deal days before his trial began. His sentencing is scheduled for October 3.
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[Feature Photo: Mark Von Holden/Invision/AP, File]
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Author: Jacquelyn Gray
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