Sean “Diddy” Combs has voluntarily dropped his appeal to be released on bail until the start of his trial next year, according to recent court filings.
Diddy will remain incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn until his criminal trial commences in May.
A document filed by Combs’ attorneys explicitly states, “Mr. Combs does not seek to appeal the district court’s denial of his renewed motion and hereby moves to voluntarily dismiss the appeal.”
This comes two weeks after a Manhattan federal judge denied Combs’ request for bail, citing “compelling evidence of Combs’s propensity for violence” and concerns that he poses “a serious risk of witness tampering.”
Combs’ legal team had proposed a $50 million bond, suggesting that the hip-hop star could be confined to house arrest with stringent restrictions. However, prosecutors countered that Combs had been attempting to “subvert the integrity” of the case from jail and would likely continue to do so if released.
The judge presiding over the case highlighted several concerns, including evidence that Combs had “initiated and had unexplained communication” with a witness scheduled to testify before the grand jury. Furthermore, the judge noted that Combs had likely violated prison rules since his indictment in September.
Combs is facing charges related to allegedly running a widespread criminal enterprise aimed at satisfying his desire for “sexual gratification.” The allegations include claims that Combs hosted “freak off” parties, where he and other participants would allegedly drug victims and coerce them into having sex.
Combs’ trial is scheduled to begin on May 5.
