Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ second bail appeal was denied on Wednesday after his not-guilty plea while awaiting trial in the sex trafficking case.
The development comes after Diddy’s lawyers argued for the second time that he should be released from prison given the “horrific” conditions he faces while in detention.
The 54-year-old music mogul was arrested on Monday over allegations of masterminding a criminal enterprise from at least 2008.
According to prosecutors, Diddy relied on drugs and violence to force women to “fulfil his sexual desires”.
His lawyers sought a bail package that included a $50 million bond co-signed by the embattled hip hop veteran and other family members, home detention, surrender of his passport, weekly drug test and a visitor log that would be submitted to pre-trial services each night.
BBC reports that after hearing the arguments on Wednesday, Judge Andrew Carter did not agree to the proposal.
“My bigger concern deals with the danger of obstruction of justice and the danger of witness tampering. That is a real concern that I have here,” Carter stated.
After the ruling, Diddy’s lawyer, Marc Agnifilo told pressmen that the verdict “did not go our way,” adding, “The fight continues.”
Diddy is charged with racketeering, sex trafficking by force and transportation to engage in prostitution, per a 14-page indictment.
If he is convicted, the record producer could be given 15 years up to life in prison.
