A judge rejected the suggestion that Sean “Diddy” Combs be placed under house arrest on a private island while he awaits trial.
Diddy, 55, and his legal team appeared in court for a bail hearing on Friday, November 22, in New York City, which was attended by Us Weekly. The rapper’s attorneys proposed to the judge that Diddy could be detained at his house on Star Island in Florida. (The mansion was one of the properties raided by federal agents in March.)
The private island home has only one way on and off the island. While Diddy’s home has a dock, the music mogul would not have access to a boat while under house arrest.
However, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian immediately rejected the idea stating, “That is not going to work.”
Diddy’s counsel then offered an alternative solution where he could be under house arrest at his Upper East Side apartment. The suggestion included 24/7 security with two guards in the three-bedroom property with Diddy while an additional guard would be stationed downstairs.
Diddy would also not have internet or phone access with the only exception being communicating with his lawyers. The calls would be arranged through the security team. The lawyers argued the arrangement would be “substantially more restrictive” than the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center, where Diddy is currently stationed.
In addition to no access to the phone and internet for personal use, Diddy would also not be allowed to have visitors except for his attorneys. Family visits could be arranged as long as they received pre-trial approval and would be monitored by security. (Diddy’s mother and children were present in court to support him.)
Diddy’s lawyer Marc Agnifilo claimed that the security guards would want to do a good job with the assignment since it is a high profile case.
This was Diddy’s fourth request seeking bail. He has been denied bail three times since his September arrest. In the latest request, Diddy’s team argued that he should be allowed to prepare for trial outside of prison due to new evidence and circumstances. In addition to the security measures mentioned in court, the proposal also included a $50 million bond.
A decision on whether Diddy will be allowed to be released on bail is expected next week.
Diddy has been behind bars since he was arrested in New York City on sex trafficking and racketeering charges in September. The musician pleaded not guilty to the charges. Diddy’s trial is currently scheduled for May 2025.
With reporting by Molly McGuigan
