Diddy tried silencing witnesses, victims from prison
What's the story
Sean "Diddy" Combs, the famous rapper serving time in prison for sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation for prostitution, is now facing allegations of witness tampering. Federal prosecutors have accused him of making "relentless efforts to contact potential witnesses" in his case using unauthorized communication methods. The allegations were made in a motion filed on November 15 and obtained by E! News.
Unlawful communication
Combs allegedly violated prison regulations by contacting witnesses
The prosecution claims Combs used telephone access codes (PAC numbers) of other inmates to call people not on his approved contact list. This constitutes a violation of Bureau of Prisons regulations and an attempt to "corruptly influence witness testimony." The rapper has also been accused of using a third-party communication service ContactMeASAP and three-way calling with approved contacts to "obscure his communications."
Witness intimidation
Prosecutors claim Combs's goal is to 'blackmail victims'
Prosecutors cited an October 4 call between Combs and one of his adult sons as evidence of his alleged attempts to "blackmail victims and witnesses either into silence or providing testimony helpful to his defense." The details of this call were redacted in court documents. They believe that through these unauthorized communication methods, Combs is instructing individuals outside the prison to execute tasks on his behalf—including launching a social media campaign around his birthday to influence potential jurors.
Bail request
Combs's legal team seeks bail, refutes prosecution's claims
The latest allegations by the prosecution come in response to a motion filed by Combs's legal team on November 8. His lawyers argued that "changed circumstances" in his case should permit him to be released on bail before his May 5 trial. They also denied the prosecution's assertion that a 2016 video of Combs physically assaulting then-girlfriend Cassie happened during a "coerced 'Freak Off,'" as referenced in the original indictment. Diddy has consistently denied any wrongdoing.