Sean "Diddy" Combs is once again in court as he seeks to be released on $50 million bail while awaiting trial on sex trafficking and racketeering charges. The judge recently ordered federal prosecutors to delete images of Combs' handwritten notes taken during a search of his jail, citing attorney-client privilege. These notes contained references to obtaining "dirt" on potential witnesses, which prosecutors previously referenced but cannot use in the bond hearing.
Despite having his bail denied twice before, Combs' lawyers proposed the same $50 million bail amount, secured by his Miami Beach mansion. Prosecutors argue that releasing Combs could put victims and witnesses at risk, leading the judge to keep him behind bars for now.
In court documents, Combs' lawyers argued that a video showing him assaulting his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, was part of a consensual relationship. Ventura had previously sued Combs for physical and sexual abuse, which he settled the day after the lawsuit was filed.
Combs has vehemently denied the allegations from Ventura and other accusers, but a leaked video appeared to corroborate Ventura's claim that he punched her in the face in 2016. Since then, more accusers have come forward, with attorney Tony Buzbee representing over 100 people looking to sue Combs.
The judge is still reviewing additional documents seized during the jail search, including pages of notes and surveillance videos. A trial is scheduled for May 5 of next year, and it is possible that the U.S. attorney overseeing the case could be replaced by a nominee of President-elect Donald Trump.