To no one’s surprise, Bad Boy Records Founder Sean “Diddy” Combs had his request for bond rejected by the court for the third time. The compelling argument put forth by prosecutors, comparing Combs to various sex cult leaders, might have been the finishing the touch to keep him in jail.
Since his arrest, Combs’ attorneys have been trying to convince the court that their client’s controversial sexual relations with women were consensual and age appropriate. Therefore, they insist the rapper does not present a danger to society or potential witnesses. In the latest attempt at bail, Combs’ attorneys argued he should be granted his freedom from detainment for the same reason former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries was granted a $10 million bond and home detention on similar charges.
However, prosecutors opposed the motion, arguing the nature of both cases are “substantially different” and citing the allegations of Combs using violence, firearms and coercion to “protect and promote” his role in the alleged sex crimes.
Instead, they argued Combs’ case is more similar to that of convicted felons singer R. Kelly, NXIVM cult leader Keith Raniere, and sex cult leader Larry Ray, during a Nov. 22 court hearing.
Feds Draw Grisly Comparisons
Prosecutors described Kelly to be a “prolific serial predator” who used his stardom to prey on young women for his own sexual gratification while silencing his victims through violence and blackmail. Kelly was ordered to spend 30 years in prison on a lengthy list of charges including Mann Act violations, racketeering, and sexual exploitation of children, per Justice Department.
Raniere was accused of a series of criminal activities including sex trafficking, forced labor, and sexual exploitation of women, some of them being minors. In addition to sexual abuse, he forced the women to vow to be his “slaves,” give personal confessions about themselves for him to use as blackmail, and kept photo evidence of his crimes. He was sentenced to 120 years in prison as punishment for his decade-long scheme, according to the DOJ.
Ray was accused of preying on a group of Sarah Lawrence College students through psychological, physical and sexual abuse for over 10 years after moving into his daughter’s dorm, per the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. He forced some of the victims into prostitution and kept recorded, false confessions to crimes as blackmail. He was sentenced to 60 years in prison on racketeering, sex trafficking and extortion charges.
Combs’ Federal Case
As for the the 55-year-old Combs, his allegations stem from a federal indictment including charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and engaging in interstate transportation for prostitution. The allegations against him also feature claims of sexual abuse, physical abuse, bribery and various drug offenses.
The most notable claims stem from his so-called “freak off” sex parties, where prosecutors allege women and men, some being minors, were drugged and forced to perform sexual acts at Combs’ pleasure. He was also accused of using video footage to blackmail the victims into compliance.
Combs’ allegations, though very similar in description, are for now still just allegations. He has pleaded not guilty, and was denied bail three times. His trial is scheduled for May 2025.