Sean "Diddy" Combs denied bail amid sex trafficking and racketeering case

Music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs. (Courtesy)

Sean "Diddy" Combs remains in custody after being denied bail in his ongoing legal battle involving charges of sex trafficking and racketeering.

The 54-year-old music mogul appeared in court on Tuesday, where he pleaded not guilty to three felony counts, according to CNN.

Despite efforts from his legal team to secure his release, the judge ordered that he remain in detention until his next court appearance on Wednesday.

Combs is being held in the Special Housing Unit at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. This unit is reserved for inmates requiring additional protection and has housed other high-profile figures such as R. Kelly and Ghislaine Maxwell.

The decision to deny bail came despite his lawyers offering a $50 million bond, along with strict conditions such as home detention and electronic monitoring.

The charges against Combs date back to 2008, with allegations that he coerced women and male sex workers into drug-fueled, extended sexual encounters, known as "Freak Offs."

The indictment accuses Combs of using threats and abuse to fulfil his desires while protecting his public image.

Marc Agnifilo, Combs' lawyer, expressed disappointment over the court's decision and confirmed they would appeal the ruling.

He stressed that Combs had voluntarily flown to New York to turn himself in, showing good faith in cooperating with the legal process.

“He came here to turn himself in. Why doesn’t the government want him to turn himself in? Because then they can’t ask for detention,” Agnifilo said.

As the case progresses, Combs is scheduled for another court appearance, where his legal team will continue to fight for his release.