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Prosecutors say Sean “Diddy” Combs is using prison to influence witnesses, jurors and public opinion
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Prosecutors say Sean “Diddy” Combs is using prison to influence witnesses, jurors and public opinion

Prosecutors claim that Sean “Diddy” Combs attempted to contact potential witnesses and shape public opinion from prison in an effort to influence potential jurors for his upcoming sex-trafficking trial. Those allegations were detailed in a court filing late Friday as the government asked a judge to deny Combs’ latest bail request.

The case, filed in federal court in Manhattan, is opposed Combs’ third attempt to secure bailwhich includes a $50 million proposal. Prosecutors argued that the music mogul’s actions behind bars demonstrate his unwillingness to follow the rules and his determination to manipulate the legal process.

Citing recorded jailhouse calls, prosecutors allege Combs instructed family members to approach potential victims and witnesses, asking them to create “narratives” designed to sway the jury pool. They also argue that it encouraged strategies to influence public opinion through marketing and social media.

“The defendant has repeatedly shown — even while in custody — that he will blatantly and repeatedly break the rules to improperly affect the outcome of his case. The defendant showed, in other words, that he cannot be trusted to comply with the rules or the conditions”, the prosecutors stated in the redacted file.

Prosecutors argued that Combs’ actions suggest he intended to intimidate or blackmail witnesses into silence or to testify in his own defense.

ALSO READ: Ray J claims celebrities are paying Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ alleged victims to keep quiet

Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges that he coerced and abused women for years with the help of a network of associates, using tactics such as blackmail, violence, kidnapping and arson to silence them the victims. Two judges have already deemed him a flight risk and a danger to the community, rejecting his previous bail applications.

Despite those rulings, Combs’ legal team recently filed a renewed bail application, citing “changed circumstances” and new evidence they say support his release ahead of him. Process May 5. Prosecutors countered that the cited evidence was already known to the defense during previous bail applications.

The government’s filing also highlighted specific instances of alleged misconduct by Combs in prison, including his use of social media campaigns. They allege Combs directed his family to post a video of the birthday celebration on social media, intending to influence potential jurors, and later monitored jailhouse reviews of the video to gauge its impact.

Prosecutors also accused Combs of conspiring to anonymously disseminate information to bolster his defense and of making repeated attempts to contact potential witnesses, including alleged victims of his abuse.

Combs’ defense attorneys have not commented on the recent allegations. A bail hearing is scheduled for next week, according to AP report.

READ ALSO: Diddy’s ex-bodyguard sues rape accuser for defamation over alleged 2001 assault allegations