Diddy Accused of Using Prison Calls to Corrupt Witness Testimony: Prosecutors Speak Out
Sean "Diddy" Combs, the music mogul currently facing serious sex trafficking charges, is alleged to have broken prison rules by contacting potential witnesses through unauthorized communication methods. Prosecutors claim that Diddy, detained in Manhattan, has made “relentless efforts” to “corruptly influence witness testimony,” using other inmates' phone accounts and arranging three-way calls to speak with people not on his approved list. These allegations have brought the high-profile case into the spotlight, further intensifying the legal drama surrounding the star.
Prosecutors have detailed a coordinated scheme in which Diddy allegedly instructed his family to reach out to potential witnesses on his behalf. According to a court filing, these instructions were captured in recorded calls, raising concerns about the extent of his influence even while behind bars. The prosecution has emphasized that the communications strategy Diddy is accused of orchestrating was sophisticated, allegedly designed to bypass prison monitoring systems and taint testimonies.
In addition to influencing potential witnesses, Diddy is also accused of manipulating social media narratives. Prosecutors cite a specific incident involving an Instagram post from a woman referred to as “witness two,” which aimed to counter accusations made by singer Dawn Richard in a civil lawsuit against the star. According to the claims, this social media statement was drafted through “multiple texts” and “multiple calls” from Diddy while in custody. Prosecutors allege that the communication efforts were carefully planned, even suggesting that there was a “strong inference” of Diddy paying witness two after the statement was posted.
Adding to the complexity of the case, Diddy’s defense team has proposed a significant bail package worth fifty million dollars, a measure they argue is necessary to ensure he can properly prepare for trial. The package would include round-the-clock security monitoring and house arrest, but multiple judges have denied previous bail requests, citing concerns that Diddy might tamper with witnesses. Prosecutors maintain that no set of bail conditions could mitigate the potential risks he poses, given his history of influence.
In court documents, prosecutors have gone further, painting Diddy as a figure with an “uncanny ability” to get others to do his bidding. They argue that this influence extends to his family, employees, and even fellow inmates. “The defendant has demonstrated an uncanny ability to get others to do his bidding—employees, family members, and [prison] inmates alike,” prosecutors claimed, adding, “There is no reason to believe that private security personnel would be immune.” This characterization has become central to the prosecution’s argument against his release.
Diddy’s defense team, led by lawyer Alexandra Shapiro, has pushed back against the allegations, emphasizing the harsh conditions at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. Shapiro argues that these conditions have left Diddy with little opportunity to adequately prepare for his trial, pointing out that frequent lockdowns and the confiscation of pens he needs for note-taking have made it impossible for him to review the “incredibly voluminous” case materials. “Detention is stripping Diddy of ‘any real opportunity’ to be ready for trial,” Shapiro contended, claiming that his constitutional rights are being violated.
The defense’s argument, however, has not convinced prosecutors, who remain adamant that the risk of witness tampering is too high. They have also dismissed criticisms of the jail conditions, noting an interview in which one of Diddy’s lawyers described the most challenging aspect of his incarceration as the food. Prosecutors insist that the potential danger he poses to the proceedings outweighs any discomfort he may e
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- Publiée19 novembre 2024 à 13:00 UTC
- Durée10 min
- ClassificationTous publics