A federal judge in Manhattan has once again denied bail for music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, citing his alleged "propensity for violence" and the risk of witness tampering in his upcoming trial on sex trafficking and racketeering charges. The trial, set for May 5, 2025, could result in a life sentence if Combs is convicted on all charges.

U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian ruled on Wednesday that no bail conditions could ensure the safety of the community or the integrity of the case if Combs were released. “There is compelling evidence of Combs’s propensity for violence,” Judge Subramanian wrote, adding that there was a “serious risk of witness tampering.”

The decision pointed to Combs’ alleged unauthorized communications with a witness called to testify before the grand jury and potential violations of prison rules since his September arrest. The judge also expressed concerns about wealthy defendants using their resources to create “self-funded private jails” with conditions that may not ensure compliance with court orders.

Combs’ legal team had proposed a $50 million bond package, coupled with house arrest and stringent restrictions, arguing it was sufficient to mitigate any risks. They pointed to the recent release of former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries on similar sex trafficking charges as justification for granting bail.

The prosecution countered, accusing Combs of attempting to obstruct justice even from behind bars. In their filings, prosecutors alleged that Combs had engaged in witness tampering, leaked favorable materials to the public, and orchestrated social media campaigns to sway public opinion and potentially influence the jury pool. “Defendant has continued to engage in a relentless course of obstructive conduct designed to subvert the integrity of these proceedings,” prosecutors wrote.

Combs was indicted in September on charges of operating a criminal enterprise designed to facilitate sexual exploitation and maintain silence through violence. Prosecutors allege that the operation involved elaborate “freak off” parties where victims were coerced into sexual acts after being plied with drugs. The indictment also includes accusations of intimidation and violence to prevent victims from coming forward.

Combs has denied all allegations, with his legal team arguing that the charges are unsubstantiated.

Judge Subramanian’s ruling echoes a September decision by Judge Andrew L. Carter, who also denied bail, citing "clear and convincing evidence" that Combs posed a danger to the community and a risk of obstructing the investigation. Judge Subramanian’s decision underscores concerns about the potential influence of high-profile defendants who have significant financial and public influence.

The ruling means Combs will remain in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn until trial. Combs is expected to re-launch an appeal of the bail decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, which had been paused during the recent bail reconsideration process.