Diddy Accused of Witness Tampering in Sex-Crimes Case

Sean “Diddy” Combs is allegedly attempting to blackmail witnesses in his federal sex-trafficking and racketeering case. Prosecutors claim in a November 15 motion that evidence from the music mogul’s jail cell shows he had intimidated one witness and was attempting to tamper with others, the Los Angeles Times reports. Per prosecutors, Diddy used three-way calls and other inmates’ phone codes to avoid scrutiny. In the motion, they called the tampering “an allegation that is more often seen in mob trials or Mexican Mafia–style cases.” But Diddy’s attorneys claim the evidence seized from his prison cell was “attorney-client-privileged material,” including notes for the trial, alleging he’d suffered “a due-process violation” at the hands of prosecutors.

The motion came ahead of an upcoming decision on whether Diddy can be granted a $50 million bail and released on house arrest. Prosecutors are claiming Diddy will only continue tampering with witnesses from out of prison. Diddy was arrested in September on charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution, amid allegations that he ran an abusive sex-trafficking ring. He pleaded not guilty to all charges. Meanwhile, in civil court, he faces numerous assault lawsuits.