Hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs faces charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution after his arrest in September 2024. Combs’ legal team has attempted to have a bail package accepted three times. Unfortunately, the judges have not ruled in Combs’ favor so far, leaving him in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. Now, prosecutors allege that Combs is using phone accounts from his fellow inmates. Here’s why.
Prosecutors say that Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs used phone accounts from other inmates to make calls
Sean”Diddy” Combs is currently behind bars at the Metropolitan Detention Center. He awaits his trial in May 2025. In the meantime, additional civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault, harassment, and sex trafficking hit Combs. While his legal team has been trying to get him out of jail with a bail package, Combs was deemed a flight risk by several judges, leaving him behind bars.
Prosecutors in November 2024 also accused Combs of obstructing his sex trafficking case from the MDC. They claimed that Combs has been paying off witnesses and enlisting his kids for help in clearing his name in the public eye. The prosecutors noted that Combs has “demonstrated an uncanny ability to get others to do his bidding” despite staying behind bars, according to DailyMail.com.
The prosecutors alleged that Combs paid off a witness and called her over 100 times over four days to garner her support. Additionally, they alleged that Combs used phone accounts from at least eight fellow inmates to “avoid law enforcement monitoring” while calling forbidden numbers. According to the BBC, Combs used three-way calls to speak to individuals who were not listed on his approved contacts list. The hip-hop mogul is also accused of “directing others” to help pay inmates for access to their accounts.
The prosecution made these statements after Diddy’s legal team set forth a third bail attempt.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ birthday video was meant to affect ‘potential jury members,’ the prosecution claims
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ family members posted a video of them gathered around the phone while wishing Combs a happy birthday. The clip posted on Nov. 4 shows Combs’ youngest child, Love, singing “Happy Birthday.”
“I love y’all so much,” Combs says over the phone to his kids. “I can’t wait to see y’all. I’m proud of y’all — especially the girls. I mean, all y’all, just for being strong. Thank ya’ll for being strong and thank ya’ll for being by my side and supporting me. I love y’all. I got the best family in the world. It’s my birthday; I’m happy. Thank you all for giving me this call.”
According to the BBC, the prosecution said Combs hoped he could sway potential jury members with his birthday video.
“The defendant then monitored the analytics — i.e. audience engagement — and explicitly discussed with his family how to ensure that the video had his desired effect on potential jury members in this case,” the prosecution stated.
The hip-hop mogul’s children released a public statement to show their support
The prosecution in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ case might think that Combs’ family support is all for show. However, in October 2024, Combs’ kids released a statement stating they stand united with their father, no matter the accusations.
“The past month has devastated our family,” Combs’ son, Quincy Brown, posted to Instagram. The photo shows Combs with his mother and kids. “Many have judged both him and us based on accusations, conspiracy theories, and false narratives that have spiraled into absurdity on social media. We stand united, supporting you every step of the way. We hold onto the truth, knowing it will prevail, and nothing will break the strength of our family.”
How to get help: In the U.S., call the RAINN National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 to connect with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.
For more on the entertainment world and exclusive interviews, follow Showbiz Cheat Sheet’s Instagram.
