Sean 'Diddy' Combs denied bail by judge as he awaits sex trafficking trial

The rapper Sean 'Diddy' Combs has been denied bail again by a judge as he awaits trial on sex trafficking charges.

It means the musician and producer, also known as P Diddy, will stay jailed, despite a $50m bid to be released.

Combs was arrested on suspicion of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking in September. He has been imprisoned for the last 10 weeks.

The hip-hop mogul has pleaded not guilty to charges that he coerced and abused women for years with the aid of a network of associates and employees, while silencing victims through blackmail and violence - including kidnapping, arson and physical beatings.

He says his sexual relationships were consensual, and denies all wrongdoing.

This was the 55-year-old's fourth attempt at being released before his trial. His lawyers made two requests in the days after he was charged, followed by an appeal which was denied in October.

US District Judge Arun Subramanian announced the latest bail rejection decision in a written order, after hearing arguments during a two-hour hearing on 22 November in Manhattan federal court.

Combs is currently in custody in Manhattan awaiting a criminal trial scheduled to begin on 5 May next year.

He is also facing several civil cases, with one lawyer saying in October that his firm was representing more than 100 accusers.

Read more:
What is Sean Combs charged with?

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