Sean “Diddy” Combs‘ legal team has filed an appeal seeking his release from jail before his trial. The appeal was submitted on Tuesday, October 8, by attorney Alexander A.E. Shapiro in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. The move comes after Combs was denied bail twice following his arrest on September 16.
The 54-year-old music mogul was arrested at a Manhattan hotel on the evening of September 16. He faces serious charges, including racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution. Since his arrest, Combs has been held at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center.
The appeal aims to challenge the decision made by the Southern District of New York (SDNY), which denied Combs bail over concerns of witness tampering and obstruction of justice. Combs’ legal team has argued that he should be released on appropriate bail conditions until his trial.
This marks the third attempt by Combs’ defense to secure his release. His first bail request was denied on September 17 by a federal judge. The legal team quickly filed for a second hearing, which took place the following day, but Judge L. Carter of SDNY also denied the request. In his ruling, Judge Carter stated that there were no conditions that could guarantee Combs wouldn’t interfere with the case or witnesses.
Despite these setbacks, Shapiro and Combs’ defense team have continued to push for his release. Shapiro’s latest appeal comes a week after he submitted a notice of intent to appeal on September 30, two weeks after Combs’ arrest.
Combs, who has pleaded not guilty, is accused of coercing women into participating in what have been described as “freak offs”—elaborate sexual performances involving male sex workers. According to the charges, Combs allegedly used drugs like cocaine, oxycodone, and ketamine to control and intimidate women into these acts. Afterward, the women were reportedly given IV treatments to help them recover.
Authorities who raided Combs’ Los Angeles and Miami homes earlier this year allegedly found “freak off supplies,” including large quantities of drugs and more than 1,000 bottles of lubricant and baby oil. Combs is also accused of recording these events without the knowledge of the women involved. Additionally, he faces accusations of physical abuse.
Despite the severity of the charges, Combs’ legal team maintains his innocence. His lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, has vowed to “fight like hell” to get him released before the trial. Agnifilo has highlighted that Combs traveled to New York voluntarily to engage with the court system, and he believes this should be taken into account.
“He is an imperfect person, but he is not a criminal,” Agnifilo stated in response to the allegations.
Combs’ next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, October 10, where his legal team will continue their efforts to secure his release. The appeal now sits with the U.S. Court of Appeals, and it remains to be seen whether they will grant his request for bail.
News Source: PEOPLE
