Sean “Diddy” Combs will remain behind bars until October after a U.S. federal judge denied the embattled music mogul’s request for bail, following his conviction on two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution.
The 54-year-old Bad Boy Records founder, once one of the most powerful figures in entertainment, was found guilty last week after an eight-week trial that pulled back the curtain on years of disturbing allegations. While he was acquitted of the more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, the prostitution convictions were enough to keep him in federal custody.
U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian has scheduled his sentencing for October 3, and legal experts say Combs could face up to 10 years in prison for each count. However, prosecutors estimate his sentence will likely fall between four to five years, based on preliminary federal guidelines.
During the bail hearing, the judge sided with prosecutors, who argued that releasing Combs posed “a real risk,” citing concerns about flight and potential danger to others.
Combs’ legal team had proposed a comprehensive bail package including a $1 million bond, passport surrender, GPS monitoring, drug testing, and strict travel restrictions.
Despite this, the judge upheld his detention, referencing mandatory provisions under the Mann Act and a lack of “exceptional circumstances” sufficient to override them.
It’s not the first time Combs has tried to secure his freedom. Since his arrest in September 2024, he has made multiple unsuccessful attempts to obtain bail, including a previous offer of a $50 million bond backed by his homes and assets. That bid was later withdrawn in December.
His legal team, led by Mark Agnifilo, argued that Combs’ conviction did not involve violence and emphasised his role as a father and carer for his 85-year-old mother.
“Mr. Combs should be released on bail today,” his lawyers wrote. “It would be unjust to continue detaining Mr. Combs at the MDC even one day longer, especially since — given the sentencing guidelines for these prostitution offences — he would otherwise be entitled to serve any additional time imposed at a lower-security facility.”
The high-profile case gripped U.S. media and sparked fresh debates about accountability and power in the music industry. Prosecutors presented testimony from several former employees and romantic partners, painting a disturbing portrait of manipulation and abuse. Among the most compelling witnesses was Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, Combs’ ex-girlfriend, who testified over four days about alleged repeated physical assault and emotional torment.
Cassie’s attorney, Douglas H. Wigdor, later released a statement commending her courage: “We are proud of our client’s strength and perseverance. Her bravery in coming forward led to this federal case and, ultimately, to justice.”
Combs has not issued a public statement since the verdict.
As the music industry reacts to one of its most prominent figures facing prison time, many are questioning how such behaviour went unchecked for so long — and whether true accountability has finally begun to take shape.
