NEW YORK, NY. (THECOUNT) — Sean “Diddy” Combs, 54, has been placed on suicide watch as he awaits trial in the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn following his arrest on Monday, September 16. The music mogul faces serious charges including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation for prostitution, stemming from an indictment unsealed after his arrest. He pleaded not guilty but was denied bail twice, leading to his confinement in the notoriously dangerous and overcrowded MDC.
Sources close to the situation revealed that Diddy’s placement on suicide watch is a precautionary measure. His mental state following the arrest is reportedly unclear, and while it is not known if he is suicidal, the watch is meant to ensure his safety as he adjusts to his new circumstances. The U.S. Department of Justice’s National Institute of Corrections describes suicide watch as “supervisory precautions taken for suicidal inmates that require frequent observation.” Given the seriousness of the charges and the shock of his detention, concerns have been raised about his well-being.
|
Advertisement |
Combs’ legal team, led by attorney Marc Agnifilo, requested that he be transferred from MDC to a different facility in Essex County, New Jersey, citing concerns about the conditions at MDC. Agnifilo emphasized the unsafe and inadequate conditions within the Brooklyn detention center, referencing recent violence and suicides in the facility. “Several courts in this District have recognized that the conditions at Metropolitan Detention Center are not fit for pre-trial detention,” the legal team argued. According to the motion, at least four inmates have committed suicide in MDC in the last three years, and just this past summer, an inmate was murdered. The Bureau of Prisons will ultimately decide whether Combs will be transferred.
MDC, which houses approximately 1,600 inmates, many of whom are awaiting trial, has long been criticized for its dangerous conditions and lack of adequate staffing. These issues, combined with the severity of the charges against Combs, have made his time in pretrial detention particularly challenging.
The charges against Combs are based on allegations that he organized and facilitated “freak offs,” which federal prosecutors describe as “elaborate and produced sex performances.” According to the indictment, Combs allegedly used his influence and fame, along with drugs such as cocaine, ketamine, and oxycodone, to coerce women into participating in these events. Investigators allege that these encounters were sometimes recorded without the victims’ knowledge. During raids on Combs’ Miami and Los Angeles homes in March, authorities seized three AR-15 rifles and over 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant, evidence reportedly linked to these alleged crimes.
As Diddy awaits his next court date on Tuesday, September 24, many questions remain about the scope of the case and how it will unfold. The trial promises to be a high-profile event, drawing attention not only to the legal proceedings but also to the conditions in which Combs is being held.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, resources are available to help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached by dialing 988 or by visiting their website at 988lifeline.org. Additionally, you can text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 for support.
DEVELOPING::