This Thanksgiving, there will be a significant change for hip-hop titan and founder of Bad Boy Records, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. The renowned music executive recently had his request for bail refused amid charges related to sex trafficking and racketeering, which followed his apprehension in September.
This denial of bail represents the third for Combs, who remains in confinement at the Metropolitan Detention Center located in Brooklyn, New York. Notably, Combs was earlier refused bail on two separate occasions since his arrest.
Combs’ meals at the detention center are quite simple: breakfast typically comprises of fruit, cereal, breakfast pastries and skim milk. The observation that coffee was not on offer, which interestingly was available at the beginning of the week, suggests a rotation in the menu offerings.
Combs and his fellow prisoners are provided with a traditional Thanksgiving meal for lunch. This festive meal includes a roast turkey served alongside mashed potatoes, a variety of mixed vegetables, cranberry sauce, turkey gravy, dinner rolls, and margarine.
Inmates at the center have access to a sweet conclusion to their midday meal on this special day with an assortment of holiday-style pies. Additionally, those desiring a vegetarian option can opt for hot and sour tofu instead of the traditional turkey roast.
The evening meal is more modest in comparison, with an offering of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, potato chips, whole wheat bread, and a piece of fruit. A beverage also accompanies the meal, rounding off the day’s food provisions.
Combs’ recent confinement has seen him celebrate his 55th birthday behind bars where the menu on offer was not dissimilar to the Thanksgiving one. Breakfast, remained consistent, while lunch included pasta and salad, and dinner came with a choice of either chicken or tofu fried rice.
Jail has been Combs’ home since his September arrest, which saw him facing serious charges. These included racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by means of force, deceit, or coercion, and the crime of transporting individuals for the purposes of engaging in sex work.
The severity of these charges put Combs at risk of a considerable time in jail. If eventually found guilty, he’s looking at the prospect of a minimum of 15 years in prison. Moreover, the stakes are raised even further with the possibility of a life sentence.
Despite Combs’ offer of a staggering $50 million bond, Wednesday’s decision marked the third instance when he was denied bail. The legal team against him presented compelling arguments, accusing Combs of attempting to sway witnesses and apply pressure on victims from his detention center cell.
Significantly, prosecutors argued that if Combs were to be released, he would likely turn into a flight risk. Utilizing his considerable wealth as a means to secure his release, they argued, could establish a precedent that allows for a classist approach to justice.
In their vision of this scenario, Combs would employ a personal security firm to supervise him while under house arrest, even controlling certain forms of his communications. This method, they argued, could create a problematic ‘two-tiered’ justice system where wealth could sway judgment.
In addition, prosecutors alleged that Combs had a notable history of interference and manipulation, often persuading witnesses and subordinates to cover for him, thus covering up his alleged offenses. Court documents hinted at a history of problematic behavior, including abuse towards personal staff and sexual partners, thus strengthening their case.
Against this backdrop of accusations and alleged crimes, the trial of Combs has been scheduled for May 5 of the coming year. Until then, it is likely that Combs will remain in the Metropolitan Detention Center, his motion for bail having been denied on three separate occasions now.
In conclusion, it seems that Combs’ world has dramatically changed since his arrest last September. His freedom restricted, his routine governed by the schedules of his temporary home, and a Thanksgiving dinner that is far removed from what he might have been experiencing, had circumstances been different.