Sean “Diddy” Combs will remain in jail until his sentencing in October after a judge denied his $50 million bail request. The music mogul has been in custody since his arrest in September on federal charges.
Combs was acquitted last month of the most serious charges—racketeering and sex trafficking—but was convicted on two counts related to prostitution. The conviction could lead to a prison sentence of up to 10 years, meaning Combs could remain incarcerated well into his 70s.
Although federal sentencing guidelines are complex and not mandatory, Judge Arun Subramanian will have wide discretion when determining the final punishment. Prosecutors and defense attorneys strongly disagree on how the guidelines apply in Combs’ case.
During the trial, prosecutors accused Combs of using his fame, money, and intimidation to coerce two former girlfriends into multi-day, drug-fueled sexual encounters—dubbed “freak-offs”—with male sex workers while he watched and recorded.
His legal team argued the relationships were complicated but consensual, claiming the government was criminalizing unconventional sexual behavior. They admitted he had violent outbursts but said they didn’t rise to the level of the charges brought against him.
Despite multiple attempts by his lawyers to secure bail, Judge Subramanian ruled that Combs remains a flight risk and poses a danger to the public.
“Increasing the amount of the bond or adding conditions doesn’t change the calculus,” the judge wrote in court documents.
“Even if flight risk or danger wasn’t a concern, there are no ‘exceptional reasons’ to justify his release.”
The court defines “exceptional reasons” as a unique combination of circumstances that are truly out of the ordinary.
Prosecutors also oppose his release, citing Combs’ extensive history of violence and his refusal to take responsibility for recent actions.
Combs is set to be sentenced in October 2025.