Diddy Reportedly On Suicide Watch Ahead Of Sex Trafficking Trial
Sean “Diddy” Combs continues to make headlines. Recently, PEOPLE reported that the artist is on suicide watch as he awaits trial at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC). Diddy was arrested at a Manhattan hotel on Monday night, Sept. 16, and the next day, his indictment was unsealed, revealing charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
He was remanded to the MDC on Tuesday, Sept. 17, after pleading not guilty and being denied bail twice this week. It is unclear whether Combs is suicidal or how long he has been on suicide watch. According to sources, this measure is precautionary as Combs is reportedly in shock and his mental state remains uncertain.
The U.S. Department of Justice’s National Institute of Corrections defines suicide watch as “supervisory precautions taken for suicidal inmates that require frequent observation.”
During a court hearing, Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, requested that the music mogul be transferred to a prison in Essex County, New Jersey, but the Bureau of Prisons was tasked with making the final decision.
The indictment accuses Combs of forcing victims to participate in “freak offs,” described by prosecutors as “elaborate and produced sex performances.” He allegedly used his fame, influence, and drugs such as cocaine, ketamine, and oxycodone to coerce and intimidate women into joining the “freak offs.” Additionally, some of these events were allegedly recorded without the victims’ knowledge. Federal investigators confiscated three AR-15 rifles and 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant during raids on his homes in Miami and Los Angeles this past March.
Another hearing for Diddy is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 10 a.m.
E Online reported that, four months after CNN released a 2016 surveillance video showing the rapper assaulting ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in a hotel hallway, prosecutors presented alleged text messages between the two during his second bail request on Sept. 18.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson, according to an NBC News reporter in court, claimed Combs sent a message following the assault that read, “Call me, the cops are here.” He continued, “I have six kids. Call, I’m surrounded.”
Johnson also alleged that the victim of the 2016 attack, who was not named during the hearing, responded, “Sick you think it’s OK to do what you’ve done.”
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.
