Lawyers for Sean Combs, the renowned music mogul also known as Diddy, have filed court documents requesting his release on a $50 million bond while he awaits sentencing in October. Combs was convicted earlier this month on charges of transportation to engage in prostitution but was acquitted of more serious accusations, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, following an eight-week federal trial.
Combs’ legal team argues that the circumstances of his case are “exceptional” and points to what they describe as a consensual lifestyle involving threesomes, rejecting the government’s claims of coercion. They also highlighted the controversial history of the Mann Act, the century-old law under which Combs was convicted, calling it “rich with both racism and misogyny.” The defense emphasizes that the statute traditionally targets those profiting from prostitution, not clients like Combs.
The proposed $50 million bond would be secured by Combs’s island mansion near Miami, a significant increase from an earlier offer of $1 million and restricted travel proposals covering New York, Los Angeles, and Miami Beach.
Despite the defense’s efforts, Judge Arun Subramanian previously denied bail, citing Combs’ history of domestic violence as a serious concern. Prosecutors presented evidence during the trial of Combs assaulting one of the women involved, Casandra Ventura, including security footage from a Los Angeles hotel. The judge noted that this history of violence makes it impossible to ensure public safety with conditions.
Prosecutors also referenced a 2024 altercation with another former girlfriend, who testified that Combs left her with bruises during a fight while under federal investigation. Combs’ lawyers acknowledged the incident but claimed he was provoked.
The trial verdict left Combs facing up to 10 years in prison for two counts under the Mann Act, a lesser sentence than the potential life imprisonment tied to racketeering or sex trafficking convictions.
Combs has been detained at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center since his arrest in September 2024. His lawyer, Nicole Westmoreland, told The New York Times the defense plans to appeal the convictions and remains committed to securing his release.
“We’re not going to be satisfied until he’s home,” Westmoreland said, highlighting ongoing communication between Combs, his family, and legal team.
The case has drawn intense scrutiny, not only for the charges involved but for raising questions about the application of the Mann Act and its historical roots. While the judge acknowledged the law’s problematic past, he emphasized that its current enforcement in the Southern District of New York is race neutral.
