Judge Arun Subramanian denied bail for Sean “Diddy” Combs as he awaits his sentencing on two counts of transporting individuals for the purpose of prostitution.
This morning, the jury acquitted the hip-hop mogul on the top charges of racketeering and sex trafficking.
Defense attorneys urged Subramanian to reconsider his decision denying Combs’ release, but the judge stood firm.
Combs’ lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, argued that his client posed no flight risk, saying, “He’s not going to flee. He’s been given his life back.”
However, prosecutor Maurene Comey pushed back, stating that the only exceptional things about Combs were “his wealth, his violence and his brazenness,” adding, “his continued criminality and his willingness to violate the law.”
Taking a jab at the prosecution, Agnifilo replied, “Listening to Ms. Comey makes me appreciate that we have juries.”
Wen the judge denied him bail, Combs snapped his head toward Agnifilo and scribbled a series of notes, eventually raising his hand to catch the judge’s attention. However, after conferring with his attorney, he chose not to speak.
Diddy Denied Bail: What To Know
Citing multiple factors, the judge highlighted Combs’ history of violence.
Evidence at trial pointed to Combs, 55, exhibiting a “yearslong pattern of violence,” the judge said.
“At trial, the defense conceded the defendant’s violence in his personal relationships, saying it happened with Cassie and ‘Jane.'”
“For present purposes, the defendant is unable to meet his burden” to show by clear and convincing evidence a “lack of danger to any person or the community,” Subramanian said.
The judge also said Combs has shown “a disregard for the rule of law and a propensity of violence.”
“You full-throatedly in your closing argument told the jury that there was violence here,” Subramanian told the defense.
As the judge delivered the decision, Combs sat motionless, his hands resting in his lap.
Cassie Ventura’s lawyer, along with federal prosecutors, said Combs should remain detained as he awaits his sentencing.
Ventura’s lawyers wrote to the judge, “Ms. Ventura believes that Mr. Combs is likely to pose a danger to the victims who testified in this case, including herself, as well as to the community.”
What’s Next for Diddy’s Sentencing?
Judge Subramanian proposed Combs’ sentencing for October 3, 2025, but said he’s willing to expedite it. There will be a hearing on expedited sentencing proposals at 2 p.m. Tuesday.
Each count of transporting individuals for prostitution carries a maximum sentence of 10 years. However, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York said before Subramanian’s ruling that the prosecution recommends a sentencing “at least 51 to 63 months’ imprisonment” for Combs’ two convictions. Combs’ lawyers are hoping he will receive a term of 21 to 27 months.
Combs continues to face a significant number of civil lawsuits alleging various forms of sexual misconduct, abuse, and exploitation. As of July 2025, over 66 civil suits have been filed against him, with allegations spanning from the early 1990s to recent years.
Diddy’s Attorneys React After Bail Denied
Outside the courthouse, Defense attorney Nicole Westmoreland emphasized that Sean Combs chose to exercise his constitutional right to a trial, highlighting the courage it took to fight the charges.
“He actually battled for his freedom, for his innocence, and he did it,” she told reporters. “A lot of times, people are too afraid to do it. Today is a major win to show what the system can do.”
Combs’ lead attorney Marc Agnifilo called the verdict “a great victory,” telling reporters that the jury “got the situation right — or certainly right enough.” He added, “Today is a victory of all victories.”
Who Is Cassie Ventura?
Ventura, a singer and former longtime partner of Combs, played a pivotal role in the federal sex trafficking trial against him. Her testimony, spanning four days, detailed years of alleged abuse during their on-and-off relationship from 2007 to 2018. Ventura described being coerced into drug-fueled sexual encounters, referred to as “freak offs,” which Combs allegedly orchestrated and filmed. She also recounted instances of physical violence. including being kicked and stomped on and claimed that Combs used threats and blackmail to control her.
Ventura also sued Combs in November 2023. alleging he trafficked, sexually assaulted and physically abused her. The lawsuit was settled the next day, for an amount that was undisclosed at the time. Ventura’s suit played a pivotal role in initiating the federal investigation that led to Combs’ arrest and subsequent trial.
Where Is Diddy Now?
Combs, has been incarcerated for nearly 10 months, following his arrest on September 16, 2024. He has been held without bail at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since that time.
As Combs exited the courtroom, he turned to his family and reassured them: “I’ll see you when I get out,” and “We’re going to get through this.” He added, “Be strong, I love you,” and looked at his mother to say, “Mama. I love you. Stay strong.”
Who Is Judge Arun Subramanian?
Judge Arun Subramanian serves on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Appointed in 2023, he is the first South Asian judge to serve on this court. Before his appointment, Subramanian was a partner at Susman Godfrey LLP and clerked for Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Who Testified in the Diddy Trial?
The prosecution called 34 witnesses over seven weeks, including Ventura and another woman referred to as “Jane,” both of whom described experiences of abuse and coercion. Other witnesses included music artist Kid Cudi, who testified about a firebombing incident linked to Combs, as well as former assistants and sex workers who detailed orchestrated sexual encounters.
Newsweek