On Wednesday (Sep. 18), text messages were shared in the sex-trafficking case against Sean “Diddy” Combs. He was denied bail by Manhattan federal Judge Andrew Carter Jr., as he deemed Combs’ suggestion for home and electronic monitoring “insufficient.”
During the hearing on Combs’ bail request, prosecutor Emily Johnson argued that the mogul should remain in jail until trial. Johnson read messages between Combs and his alleged victims to emphasize his danger to the community.
According to The Independent, Johnson shared messages Combs allegedly sent to his ex, Cassie Ventura, right after the 2016 hotel attack that was infamously caught on camera.
Ventura’s name was not mentioned in court, but it was obvious when Johnson referred to the assault and footage that was published by CNN back in May. “Call me, the cops are here,” Combs texted her, Johnson stated. “I got six kids. You, please call. I’m surrounded. You gonna abandon me all alone.”
The alleged victim replied: “I have a black eye and a fat lip. You are sick for thinking it’s okay to do what you’ve done. I still have crazy bruising.”
Johnson also shared messages that another unidentified alleged victim sent to Combs. “You always want to show me that you have the power, and you knock me around,” the message said. “I’m not a rag doll. I’m someone’s child.”
Johnson stated that if Combs were freed, it may prevent witnesses from testifying against him. Combs has pleaded not guilty to the charges of racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution.
His attorney, Marc Agnifilo, has stated that his client is “an innocent man with nothing to hide.” Combs will remain at Metropolitan Detention Center in Sunset Park, Brooklyn.
He is due back in court on Wednesday, Oct. 9.