Sean “Diddy” Combs has waived his bail appeal, according to court documents filed on Friday (December 13). The voluntary dismissal means the hip-hop mogul will remain incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn until the start of his criminal trial in May.
“Mr. Combs does not seek to appeal the district court’s denial of his new motion and hereby voluntarily dismisses the appeal,” the filing from his attorneys reads.
More than two weeks ago, a Manhattan federal judge denied Combs’ request for pretrial bail, saying there was “compelling evidence that Combs is violent” and evidence that he posed a “serious risk.” . Combs’ attorneys argued that the hip-hop star could be released on $50 million bail and subject to “almost completely” restricted house arrest. In response, prosecutors claimed that Coombs had been trying to “subvert the integrity of the case” while in prison and would continue to do so if released.
Among other arguments against Combs’ release, the judge in the case cited evidence that the rapper had “initiated and engaged in unexplained communications” with a witness called to testify before the grand jury since September. The witness likely broke prison rules since being charged.
Coombs is accused of running an extensive criminal enterprise aimed at satisfying his need for “sexual gratification”. Allegations include Combs hosting “wild” parties during which he and other attendees would drug victims and force them to engage in sexual acts.
Combs’ trial is currently scheduled to begin on May 5.
