In a bold move, Sean “Diddy” Combs has raised serious allegations against federal authorities, asserting that they have hidden crucial evidence that could potentially invalidate claims of obstruction of justice against him in his ongoing sex trafficking case. This marks Combs’ third attempt to secure pretrial release while he faces a slew of serious charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking.
The Grammy-winning artist is once again offering a $50 million bond and pledging to stay under home detention. However, in a newly filed appeal with the US Court of Appeals for the Second District, Combs is accusing the government of manipulating evidence to bolster their case against him. His legal team argues that the claims regarding potential obstruction are based on unfounded speculation and hinge primarily on unverified allegations involving communications with civil case witnesses, rather than any direct actions by Combs himself.
In official court documents filed on October 7, 2024, Combs’ motion contends that search warrant affidavits made available to the defense contain evidence that the government deliberately withheld. According to the filing, this concealed information fundamentally disrupts the government’s narrative that interactions involving a witness in September 2024 indicate obstruction on Combs’ part.
As the rapper awaits a court hearing, he remains adamant that he poses no flight risk, countering what he describes as exaggerated claims from federal prosecutors. Contacted for comment, officials from the Southern District of New York, led by US Attorney Damian Williams, refrained from addressing the serious accusations put forth by Combs’ attorney, Alexandra A.E. Shapiro.
Arrested in New York City on September 16, Combs has already failed to gain release during attempts on September 17 and 18. He maintains a not guilty plea to the charges lodged against him, which could lead to life in prison if he is convicted. Currently, he is being held at the notorious Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
In addition to the criminal proceedings, Combs faces numerous civil lawsuits stemming from allegations of abuse over the years. Several plaintiffs, including former associates and producers, have accused him of a wide range of misconduct, including violence and manipulation.
The flood of accusations against Combs began to gain momentum after a brief legal tussle with ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in November 2023, which ended quickly with a reported $30 million settlement. Ventura’s claims included serious allegations of assault and abuse, which Combs denied at the time. However, after damaging security footage surfaced, showing him attacking Ventura, Combs issued a public apology for his “inexcusable” behavior.
The outcome of the latest appeal filed on his behalf awaits a response from the government, followed by a court hearing. A status conference is scheduled for October 10, with the case now in the hands of Judge Arun Subramanian, who replaced Judge Andrew L. Carter Jr. as the presiding judge.
Given the complexities surrounding the appeal, it seems likely that a trial will not take place before 2026.