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Sean “Diddy” Combs is currently under suicide watch at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, according to sources that have spoken to multiple outlets on Friday, September 20.
However, the hop-hop artist’s lawyer insists that Diddy is not suicidal. Attorney Marc Agnifilo informed TMZ also on Friday that this precautionary measure is standard protocol for “new, high-profile inmates.” He noted that after spending six hours with Diddy on Thursday, the music mogul appeared “strong, healthy, confident, and focused on his defense.”
This comes after Diddy, 54, was arrested in Manhattan on Monday, September 16. The following day, he faced an unsealed indictment that charged him with sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution. After pleading not guilty, he was denied bail twice, and remanded to MDC on Tuesday, September 17.
Sean “Diddy” Combs attends Day 1 of 2023 Invest Fest at Georgia World Congress Center on August 26, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. Diddy has been placed on suicide watch after being arrested on Monday, September 16.
Paras Griffin/Getty Images
Diddy’s indictment alleges that he coerced victims into acts called “freak offs,” described by prosecutors as elaborate sexual performances. The charges claim he used his fame and drugs to intimidate women into participating. It has also been reported that these incidents were sometimes recorded without the victims’ consent. In a raid of his Miami and Los Angeles homes, federal investigators confiscated three AR-15 rifles and approximately 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant.
Back in November 2023, the “Finna Get Loose” artist was sued by his ex Cassie Ventura, who accused the Bad Boy Records founder of rape and sexual and physical assault. Though the case was settled between both parties within 24 hours, six months later, graphic video footage was released of Diddy physically assaulting Ventura in a hotel in 2016.
The Metropolitan Detention Center, which houses around 1,600 inmates, is known for its dangerous conditions and has faced criticism for a high number of deaths and suicides. In their motion for Diddy’s bail, his legal team highlighted concerns about the facility’s suitability for pre-trial detention.
Although it’s unclear how long he will remain on suicide watch, sources that spoke to People on Friday indicate that this step is a preventative measure, as he is reportedly in shock and his mental state is uncertain.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to https://www.rainn.org/