Diddy allegedly bombarded his former Dirty Money bandmate Kalenna Harper with over 50 calls after fellow group member Dawn Richard sued the Bad Boy Records mogul for sexual abuse, sex trafficking, fraud and more.
Sean “Diddy” Combs appeared at an arraignment on Tuesday (September 17), less than 24 hours after his arrest. He pleaded not guilty to three counts: racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
Prosecutors argued against bail, claiming his immense wealth and the serious charges made him a flight risk. They also alleged he was a danger to the community and shared concerns that Diddy might attempt to contact victims and witnesses if granted bail, per Rolling Stone.
The state referenced calls and texts Diddy allegedly made to former Diddy-Dirty Money bandmate Kalenna Harper after third group member Dawn Richard’s lawsuit. According to prosecutors, Diddy called Harper 58 times and contacted her 128 times via calls and texts in four days.
Prosecutors used the communications as evidence that Combs had contacted victims and witnesses to “spread false narratives, to get witnesses on his side,” and to “gaslight” them.
Furthermore, prosecutors alleged Diddy contacted an unnamed victim three days after his former partner Cassie Ventura filed her November 2023 lawsuit that sparked multiple others and a federal investigation. Prosecutors alleged Diddy tried to “convince the victim that she willingly engaged in sex acts” with him and that if she continued her “friendship and support,” it would all work out.
Dawn Richards Files Lawsuit Accusing Diddy Of Assault, Trafficking & More
Days before Diddy’s arrest, Dawn Richard filed a lawsuit making serious allegations against Diddy. She also recalled witnessing him abuse Cassie Ventura. Richard frequently mentioned Harper in her filing, claiming she witnessed many of the incidents cited, including Diddy’s alleged abuse of Ventura. Diddy denied the allegations, claiming Richard was an opportunist seeking a payday.
Days later, Harper issued a statement distancing herself from Richard’s lawsuit. “Many of the allegations and incidents described in this suit are not representative of my experiences,” she wrote. “Some do not align with my own truth.”
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robyn F. Tarnofsky denied bail, citing his alleged attempts to interfere with the prosecution, among other concerns.
Addressing the media after the hearing, Diddy’s lawyer Marc Agnifilo signaled their intention to appeal the bail decision.
“Mr. Combs is a fighter. He’s going to fight this until the end. He is innocent,” Agnifilo said. “We’re going to fight this case with everything we have.”