Rapper and producer Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has been in federal custody for three weeks, following his arrest on a number of sex trafficking and racketeering offences, September 16. Appearing in court on Thursday, the hip hop mogul was captured in his prison clothes for the first time.
Better known as P Diddy, courtroom sketch artists depicted the rapper in a radically different style to his typically more flash ensemble, wearing a muted ill-fitting prison-issued shirt at the pre-trial hearing to decide evidence to be used in the case. The 54-year-old rapper appeared miserable, appearing in court beside his lawyers facing charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution.
He smiled briefly at the sight of his mother and some of his children in the public gallery to support him, after 120 women came forward alleging abuse at Diddy’s hands. On their way into the court, his family members were booed and jeered by a waiting crowd, many of whom chanted at mum Janice, 84, “Your son is a predator.”
In this courtroom sketch, Sean “Diddy” Combs, left, upon entering the courtroom hugs his attorney Anthony Ricco prior to the hearing ( Image: AP)
During the hearing, lawyers discussed the allegations made by P Diddy’s legal team that the government had leaked the now infamous Cassie Ventura video, where Combs can be seen kicking a woman in a hotel before dragging them by their hair. The Mail reports prosecutors called the claim “baseless” and disavowed the defence’s statement that the case against Diddy is racially motivated.
Sean Combs has refuted the charges against him and repeatedly pled his innocence. But after the hearing was over, Diddy was returned to prison after being twice denied bail on a $50 million bond. His lawyers have now appealed his bail for a third time, and the case is now before the US Second Circuit Court of Appeals.
Mr Combs’ legal team has repeatedly argued that their client will not flee the country and is willing to surrender his passport, sell his private jet, and put his $48 million home up as collateral, but judges have denied them each time. This means Diddy will remain behind bars pending the outcome of his trial – which won’t start until May 2025.
Janice Combs, right, mother of Sean “Diddy Combs, arrives at Manhattan federal court ( Image: AP)
Prosecutors have estimated that Diddy’s trial could take around three weeks, with a Manhattan jury deciding his fate on a host of sex trafficking and racketeering charges. Meaning he could be free by June next year, or potentially spending the rest of his life in prison.
Due to the serious crimes he is accused of, if found guilty of racketeering, trafficking, and transportation to engage in prosecution, Combs would spend a minimum of 15 years behind bars and come out as a 69-year-old man. Or if the judge decides a higher penalty, he could get a life sentence.
This could be tough road for the legendary rapper, who is reportedly struggling to adjust to his new life in Metropolitan Detention Center. Speaking to People magazine, fellow music mogul said Diddy was struggling to keep his food down, saying: “I think the food’s probably the roughest part of it.”