Sean “Diddy” Combs, the iconic hip-hop mogul, is facing serious legal accusations as federal prosecutors claim he directed his family to orchestrate a series of social media campaigns to influence public opinion and interfere with the justice system. This new allegation is part of a 30-page court filing in which prosecutors detail his ongoing attempts to obstruct justice from behind bars.
Diddy Allegedly Paid Inmates for Phone Access and Directed Social Media Campaigns
The 55-year-old rapper, who is currently detained at a federal detention center in Brooklyn, New York, has been accused of violating prison rules since his arrest on September 16, 2024, in Manhattan. According to court documents, Diddy used the phone accounts of at least eight other inmates to make calls, bypassing the authorities’ surveillance.
Federal prosecutors claim that Diddy, to avoid detection, paid inmates to gain access to their phone access codes. These calls were made to both approved contacts and others who were not on the approved list. Prosecutors have recorded audio evidence of these illicit communications.
Social Media Manipulation: Diddy Allegedly Directed Family to Influence Jury
In addition to the jail phone violations, Diddy is accused of manipulating social media to interfere with his legal proceedings. Prosecutors allege that the rap mogul planned and instructed his family members to post curated content on social media, strategically targeting potential jurors.
A recent Instagram video featuring Diddy’s children celebrating his 55th birthday while he was incarcerated was not a spontaneous gesture. Prosecutors claim that this was a carefully orchestrated social media campaign designed to sway public opinion and influence a potential jury pool. Diddy allegedly pre-approved the video before it was posted, ensuring it would resonate with his followers. The video was shared with his nearly 20 million Instagram followers as well as on the accounts of his children.
Diddy reportedly tracked the engagement metrics of the video from jail, discussing with his family how to optimize its impact and ensure it would serve his legal interests. This has raised further concerns about his efforts to manipulate public perception ahead of his upcoming trial.
Prosecutors Demand Denial of Diddy’s Bail Request
Prosecutors are urging the judge to deny Diddy’s bail request, citing his continued obstruction of justice. Despite being denied bail twice, Diddy is scheduled for a third hearing on November 22, 2024, where his defense team will request a $50 million bond.
Diddy’s legal team argues that he should be released on bail to prepare for his trial, set for May 5, 2025. However, prosecutors point to evidence obtained from Diddy’s jail cell, including notes showing he allegedly paid a witness to publicly support his case. They also claim that recorded jail calls reveal Diddy instructing others to reach out to third parties to influence key aspects of his case.
Sex Trafficking and Sexual Assault Charges: What’s at Stake for Diddy?
Diddy faces multiple serious charges, including sex trafficking, sexual assault, and illegal profiteering. If convicted on these charges, he could face a minimum sentence of 15 years and potentially up to life in prison. His ongoing efforts to influence witnesses and manipulate evidence are central to the case against him.
Additionally, Diddy’s business ventures span across the fashion world with his Sean John clothing line, the Ciroc vodka brand, and Revolt TV, a music-oriented television network. Forbes reported that in 2022, Diddy’s net worth was estimated at approximately $1 billion, solidifying his position as one of the wealthiest figures in entertainment.
