The legal woes of hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs escalated this week as his defense team aggressively pushed back against federal charges of sex trafficking and racketeering.
In court filings, Combs’ lawyers labeled the prosecution as “racist” and accused the government of infringing on his constitutional rights by attempting to silence his public comments about the case, as reported by Fox News.
In a letter to Judge Arun Subramanian, Combs’ attorneys argued, “He has a right to a fair trial and a constitutional right to speak out on his own behalf.”
Celebrate Trump’s Historic 2024 Victory with the Exclusive Trump 47th President Collection!
The defense criticized prosecutors for objecting to Combs’ use of social media, including birthday posts allegedly orchestrated from jail, as part of what they deemed an unconstitutional gag effort.
Shapiro Diddy Bail Letter by Red Voice News
Meanwhile, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, a Biden-appointed prosecutor overseeing the case, announced his resignation effective December 13, ahead of his expected replacement under the incoming Trump administration.
Williams’ office has argued that Combs poses a significant threat to witnesses and victims, citing his alleged history of violence and obstruction.
Prosecutors claim Combs has a lengthy record of abusive and threatening behavior, including witness tampering and coercion.
“Former staff members have described the defendant threatening to kill them, throwing objects at them, and being struck, punched, and shoved by the defendant, and seeing him do the same to others,” they stated in court documents.
Prosecution Slavik Oppositi… by Red Voice News
They also allege that Combs has used illicit means to contact associates from jail, leveraging other inmates’ phones to influence witnesses.
The prosecution further highlighted Combs’ purported history of obstruction, pointing to allegations that he has encouraged subordinates and others to shield him from accountability.
“The government has proven the defendant’s dangerousness by clear and convincing evidence,” prosecutors argued, urging the court to deny Combs bail.
Combs’ defense has repeatedly invoked claims of racial bias throughout the case. His attorneys allege that federal investigators leaked details of the investigation to the media, framing the prosecution as an attempt to bring down a successful Black entrepreneur.
This isn’t the first time Combs has leaned on racial allegations.
During a March raid of his properties in Miami and Los Angeles, surveillance footage shared by his ex, Misa Hylton, showed armed federal agents detaining one of Combs’ sons.
Hylton called the raid “deplorable,” claiming that a non-Black celebrity’s children would not have been treated with similar aggression.
Additionally, in a high-profile business fallout with liquor giant Diageo, Combs accused the company of racism, alleging they relegated his Ciroc vodka and DeLeon tequila brands to the “urban” market because of his race.
Diageo vehemently denied the claims, calling them “false and reckless,” and ultimately severed ties with the rapper.
Combs’ upcoming trial, scheduled for May 2025, promises to bring these allegations to a head. He faces an array of accusations, including distributing date-rape drugs and organizing illicit parties involving both adults and minors, some with alleged participation from unnamed celebrity accomplices.
Texas attorney Tony Buzbee has stated that over 100 accusers are prepared to file lawsuits against Combs.
Despite these mounting allegations, Combs’ legal team remains resolute, calling the prosecution’s tactics unfair and excessive. As the court deliberates over his bail request, the embattled rapper continues to maintain his innocence while insisting he is the victim of a racially charged vendetta.
Read the full article here