Embattled music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has been placed on suicide watch while awaiting trial on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
The 54-year-old was arrested in New York City earlier this week and has been remanded to Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center. He has pleaded not guilty and has twice been denied bail.
Sources familiar with the case told PEOPLE that Combs is under suicide watch as a precautionary measure due to his emotional state. The U.S. Department of Justice National Institute of Corrections defines suicide watch as “supervisory precautions taken for suicidal inmates that require frequent observation.”
Combs’ lawyers had argued for his release on bail, offering a $50 million bond with electronic monitoring, drug tests, a visitor log, passport surrender, and restrictions on contact with women. However, Judge Andrew Carter denied bail twice, citing concerns about obstruction of justice and witness tampering.
During the arraignment, Combs’ lawyer revealed that he is in “treatment and therapy” but did not disclose the nature of the treatment due to confidentiality.
If found guilty, Combs could face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of life in prison.
