Sean "Diddy" Combs faced another setback in his legal battle when a federal judge in Manhattan rejected his third request for bail, which sought to secure home confinement before his upcoming trial on sex trafficking and racketeering allegations set for May 5. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian concluded that no conditions would sufficiently ensure the safety of the community, including witnesses and potential jurors, if Combs were granted release.

In his 11-page bail denial, the judge pointed to the serious nature of the charges against Combs, which include numerous instances of threatening and coercing individuals for his sexual desires over several decades. The judge's ruling also referenced troubling evidence, including a hotel surveillance video that allegedly showed Combs engaged in violent behavior toward his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, described as direct evidence of his propensity for violence.

Compounding the judge's concerns was evidence suggesting a risk of witness tampering. In the days surrounding a key witness's testimony before a grand jury in July, Combs reportedly deleted several messages to this individual, a male sex worker tied to debauched parties allegedly orchestrated by Combs. Despite being in custody for more than two months, Combs continued attempts to influence witnesses through unauthorized communication methods and even paid inmates for phone access.

Combs' defense sought to assure the court of safety measures they proposed, including the posting of a $50 million bail bond secured by assets, as well as a GPS ankle monitor for stringent tracking. They argued that the home environment would provide better security and conditions for trial preparation compared to his current detention facility.

However, this appeal was met with opposition from prosecutors and probation services, who underscored that Combs has previously attempted to manipulate the judicial process and escape monitoring regulations. Combs maintains he is innocent of the charges, asserting the sexual encounters were consensual and questioning the motives of his accusers. A comment on the bail denial was not provided by Combs' attorney, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office has yet to respond.