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In a significant development in the sex-trafficking case against Sean “Diddy” Combs, a Manhattan judge has ruled that the hip-hop mogul will stay in custody until his trial. This decision came as new text messages were presented on Wednesday that could impact the case’s outcome.
Federal Judge Andrew Carter Jr. determined that Combs’ request for home detention and electronic monitoring, backed by a $50 million bail, was inadequate, affirming a previous ruling by a magistrate judge to keep him remanded.
During the bail hearing, prosecutor Emily Johnson highlighted messages exchanged between Combs and his alleged victims to argue for his continued detention. One victim reportedly sent Combs a message on November 19, shortly after the filing of Cassie Ventura’s lawsuit, expressing that Ventura’s claims mirrored her own traumatic experiences.
“I feel like I’m reading my own sexual trauma,” the victim allegedly wrote, emphasizing the disturbing similarities between her ordeal and the allegations. Johnson further claimed that recordings exist in which Combs “gaslit” the victim, attempting to persuade her that she had willingly engaged in sexual acts with him.
Additionally, Johnson revealed texts from Combs to Ventura following a violent incident in 2016, during which he was recorded attacking her. “Call me, the cops are here,” Combs allegedly wrote, expressing desperation for her to respond. Ventura reportedly replied, detailing her injuries and condemning his actions.
Messages from another unnamed victim indicated a pattern of abusive behavior, with one stating, “You always want to show me that you have the power, and you knock me around. I’m not a rag doll. I’m someone’s child.”
Johnson cautioned that releasing Combs could intimidate witnesses, many of whom have expressed fear of him. “Witnesses have told us they are extremely afraid of the defendant,” she stated.
In defense, attorney Marc Agnifilo argued that Combs would comply with court requirements and return for all hearings. He also referenced a past case in which a jury found Combs not guilty, suggesting this should weigh in favor of his release.
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