Music industry mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, 54, has been placed on suicide watch at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) as he awaits trial on serious criminal charges, according to sources.
The exact nature of Combs’ mental state remains unclear, but insiders suggest the watch is a preventative measure due to the shock of his arrest and subsequent legal proceedings.
Arrest and Charges
Combs was arrested at a Manhattan hotel on the evening of Monday, September 16.
The following day, an unsealed indictment revealed a litany of charges against the hip-hop mogul, including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
After entering a not guilty plea, Combs was denied bail twice and remanded to MDC on Tuesday, September 17.
Read the entire indictment below:
Suicide Watch Protocols
The U.S. Department of Justice National Institute of Corrections defines suicide watch as
“Supervisory precautions taken for suicidal inmates that require frequent observation.”
While it’s uncertain how long Combs has been under this heightened surveillance, sources indicate that his mental state is being closely monitored given the gravity of his situation.
Legal Team’s Concerns
During a court hearing, Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, requested that his client be transferred to a prison in Essex County, New Jersey.
This decision now rests with the Bureau of Prisons. Combs’ legal team has expressed concerns about the conditions at MDC, citing its reputation for being dangerous and understaffed.
In their motion for bail, the attorneys noted,
“Several courts in this District have recognized that the conditions at Metropolitan Detention Center are not fit for pre-trial detention.”
They further highlighted recent tragedies at the facility, stating,
“Just earlier this summer, an inmate was murdered. At least four inmates have died by suicide there in the past three years.”
Allegations and Evidence
The indictment against Combs paints a disturbing picture of his alleged activities. Prosecutors accuse him of forcing victims to participate in what they term “freak offs,” described as “elaborate and produced sex performances.”
The music mogul allegedly used his fame, influence, and various drugs to coerce and intimidate women into these acts.
Furthermore, these encounters were sometimes allegedly recorded without the victims’ consent.
In a significant development, federal investigators seized three AR-15 rifles and a staggering 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant during raids on Combs’ Miami and Los Angeles residences in March.
As the legal process unfolds, a conference hearing for Diddy is scheduled for Tuesday, September 24, at 10 a.m. The music industry and public alike await further developments in this high-profile case.
