Prosecutors oppose bond for Diddy due to being guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution

Prosecutors seek to keep Diddy in jail after multiple convictions

Sean “Diddy” Combs is once again at the center of a major legal battle. Following his conviction on two counts of violating the Mann Act, federal prosecutors are pushing hard to keep the music mogul behind bars as he awaits sentencing. The stakes are high, and both sides are battling it out in court.

At issue is whether Combs can be released on $1 million bond, or if he must remain in federal custody due to the severity of the charges and the danger prosecutors say he poses to the public.

Mann Act Convictions Spark Mandatory Detention Debate

Prosecutors are leaning heavily on the Bail Reform Act, which outlines specific rules for defendants convicted of certain federal crimes. According to a letter sent to Judge Arun Subramanian, the prosecution argues that Diddy’s crimes fall under the “crimes of violence” category due to his convictions under the Mann Act, which involves the transportation of individuals for prostitution across state lines.

The prosecutors emphasized that, under the law, such violations require mandatory detention. In other words, the court must keep Combs in custody unless extraordinary circumstances justify his release.

They say the law leaves no room for discretion in this case—Diddy must remain jailed.

Sentencing Range Could Reach 5 Years

Though Combs was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering, the two Mann Act convictions still carry significant consequences. According to the government’s estimates, his sentence could range from 51 to 63 months—roughly four to five years.

Prosecutors argue that this potential punishment gives Diddy a strong incentive to flee the country if released. With international connections, wealth, and access to private travel, they say the artist is a clear flight risk.

They’re also not shy about mentioning Combs’ alleged history of violence and intimidation—citing a long pattern of behavior that makes him a danger to the community if he’s let out before sentencing.

Allegations of Abuse Shape the Bail Fight

In the prosecution’s letter, they referenced overwhelming evidence from trial that painted a disturbing picture. Multiple witnesses described years of physical abuse, coercion, and retaliation, much of it targeting former associates and romantic partners.

This includes testimony tied to Cassie Ventura, Diddy’s former girlfriend, who filed a lawsuit in 2023 detailing similar allegations. Though the civil suit was settled, prosecutors say the pattern of behavior was evident throughout the criminal case.

Even more telling, they say, is that Combs did not dispute much of this evidence during the trial—further reinforcing their argument that he remains a threat if released.

Victims and Witnesses Urge Continued Detention

Letters sent to Judge Subramanian from individuals connected to the case further support the prosecution’s position.

One letter came from Deonte Nash, a celebrity stylist and government witness. Nash expressed “grave concern” about the possibility of Diddy being released. He described Combs as someone with a “well-documented history of violent, coercive, and retaliatory behavior.”

According to Nash, Combs has repeatedly escaped meaningful accountability, and allowing him out now would send the message that his power still protects him.

Meanwhile, Cassie’s attorney, Douglas Wigdor, echoed similar fears. He stated that Cassie and others who testified against Diddy believe he still poses a danger, not just to them—but to the broader public.

Defense Pushes Back, Citing Family and Compliance

Diddy’s legal team is not backing down.

They argue that their client is not a flight risk, and point to his family ties, lack of prior criminal history, and his compliance during pretrial proceedings as proof that he deserves to be out on bond.

In a motion filed with the court, they requested a $1 million bail package, complete with strict conditions. These include:

• House arrest
• Electronic monitoring
• Passport surrender
• Limited travel permissions

They also argue that the sentencing range should be closer to 15–27 months, especially since Combs has already spent nine months in custody.

His attorneys also emphasized that Combs has not contacted any witnesses or escorts since his arrest, countering the prosecution’s concerns about intimidation or continued misconduct.

What Is the Mann Act?

To understand the full context, it helps to know what the Mann Act is.

Passed in 1910, the Mann Act—also known as the White-Slave Traffic Act—makes it a federal crime to transport individuals across state lines for prostitution or other illegal sexual activity. Over time, the law has been expanded to cover various forms of exploitation and coercion.

In Diddy’s case, he was found guilty of using his power and resources to move women from one state to another for commercial sexual purposes—a direct violation of the act.

Although the law was originally controversial for its vague language and historic misuse, it has recently been used more frequently in modern trafficking and coercion cases.

A History of Legal Controversy

This is far from the first time Sean Combs has faced legal trouble.

Over his decades-long career, he’s been involved in a number of civil suits, accusations, and industry scandals, though many of them never led to criminal charges or were settled quietly.

What makes this case different is that a jury found him guilty, and now, the full weight of federal law is coming down. The case has also reignited larger conversations about power dynamics, abuse in the music industry, and how long-standing allegations can finally be brought to justice.

What Comes Next?

Judge Subramanian is expected to rule on the bond request by 5 PM ET. If he denies bond, Diddy will remain in custody until his sentencing hearing, which is likely to take place later this summer.

If the judge grants bond, Combs will be released under strict conditions until sentencing. Either way, the case is far from over—and the outcome will have long-lasting effects on both his personal life and public image.

A Pivotal Moment for Accountability

The legal battle over Diddy’s bond is about more than just one man’s freedom. It’s a reflection of a shifting culture—one where celebrity no longer guarantees immunity, and powerful figures are held to account.

With strong arguments from both sides, the court must decide if Diddy’s wealth and influence outweigh the risk he may pose to others.

No matter the decision, it’s clear that the music mogul is now facing the most serious consequences of his life—and the world is watching closely.