Combs, 54, remains in custody on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation for prostitution. Before his arrest on September 16, he reportedly anticipated legal troubles and paid off the mortgage on his luxurious 14,800-square-foot Star Island mansion in Miami.
In March, police raided the seven-bedroom waterfront estate, allegedly uncovering a stash of drugs, baby oil, and lubricants. Prosecutors claim that Combs operated an underground ring of drug-fueled parties, referred to as “Freak Offs,” at the property, which features multiple pools and a spa.
At these alleged parties, Combs reportedly forced victims to have sex with hired sex workers while being filmed. Prosecutors claim that the “Freak Offs” often involved drug use to keep participants “obedient and compliant,” followed by IV fluids to aid in recovery afterward.
Combs is accused of using the “sensitive, embarrassing, and incriminating” footage as collateral to ensure the victims’ continued obedience and silence. The embattled hip-hop mogul has denied the allegations of operating a sex-crime empire, which arise from a months-long investigation.
Last week, Combs had his bail bid denied by a judge, leaving him in a rat-infested prison as he awaits trial. His defense team proposed a $50 million bond package, centered around his Star Island home, in an attempt to secure his release.
Attorney Marc Agnifilo told the court, “We paid off the mortgage to build trust,” but the judge dismissed this, citing concerns that Combs could flee before trial. Legal sources suggest Combs may have cleared the mortgage last August to take advantage of Florida’s Homestead Act, which protects homeowners’ equity in their primary residence from legal issues.
If convicted, Combs faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, with a minimum of 15 years.
Combs lost two bail appeals last week despite pledging to improve his behavior in exchange for his freedom. During his initial court appearance, a judge ordered him held without bail due to “very significant concerns” about his substance abuse and “anger issues.”
An appeal featured Combs’ three sons—Quincy Brown, Christian “King” Combs, and Justin Combs—co-signing a $50 million bail proposal. However, a second judge denied the plea, ruling that Combs would remain in jail pending trial.
He is accused of using “certain employees” to facilitate and cover up his alleged abuse and commercial sex ring. The indictment claims that “high-ranking supervisors” helped orchestrate “freak offs,” which Combs allegedly referred to as drug-fueled sexual performances.
The unsealed indictment alleges that Combs forced victims to engage with sex workers and recorded the disturbing acts. Prosecutors state that these “Freak Offs” were elaborate, involving multiple sex workers and lasting several days. They further allege that Combs used the sensitive recordings as collateral to ensure the victims’ silence and compliance.
