Music mogul Sean “P-Diddy” Combs has been accused of violating prison rules by contacting potential witnesses in his upcoming sex trafficking trial, federal prosecutors said in court filings.
Combs, 55, allegedly used other inmates’ phone accounts and three-way calls to reach individuals not on his approved contact list.
Prosecutors claim he also directed family members to contact witnesses and orchestrated social media posts to influence public opinion.
Allegations of Witness Tampering
According to a court filing, a review of recorded prison calls revealed that Combs instructed his family to communicate with witnesses in his case.
Prosecutors also allege that a social media post by a woman known as “Witness Two” was drafted in consultation with Combs during multiple calls and text exchanges from jail.
They further suggest there is a “strong inference” that Combs paid the woman after she posted her statement online, countering allegations made in a civil lawsuit by singer Dawn Richard.
In another cited instance, a video of Combs’ children wishing him a happy birthday during a prison call was shared on social media. Prosecutors allege this was part of a broader “public relations strategy” to sway potential jurors.
Legal Team Pushes for Bail
Combs, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges, has been held without bail since his arrest in September 2024.
His lawyers have proposed a $50 million bail package that includes 24/7 monitoring and house arrest.
Defense attorney Alexandra Shapiro argued that Combs’ detention hampers his ability to prepare for trial, citing “incredibly voluminous” case materials and inadequate jail conditions, including frequent lockdowns and limited access to writing tools.
However, prosecutors oppose bail, stating that Combs poses “serious risks of danger and obstruction.” They described him as orchestrating a “relentless scheme” to contact witnesses, including alleged victims, and using at least eight inmates’ phone accounts to bypass restrictions.
Separate lawsuit targets high-profile attorney
In a related development, Texas attorney Tony Buzbee, known for filing over 120 lawsuits against Combs, was hit with a lawsuit by an unnamed “high-profile individual.”
The plaintiff, a former associate of Combs, accused Buzbee of attempting to extort him by fabricating sexual assault allegations.
Buzbee denies the allegations, calling the lawsuit a “last-ditch attempt” to silence him. “No amount of money was included in the demand letters,” he stated, adding that his firm followed standard legal practices.
Combs’ trial will draw significant public attention as it unfolds in the coming months.
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