Sean 'Diddy' Combs' Sex Trafficking Trial Set to Begin as Judge Denies Delay Request
A federal judge confirmed the start of Sean Combs' trial for sex trafficking on May 5, rejecting the defense's request for a two-month delay.
Judge denies Sean 'Diddy' Combs' request to delay May 5 trial
Associated Press
Overview
Sean 'Diddy' Combs' trial for sex trafficking will begin May 5 after a federal judge denied the defense's request for a two-month delay. Combs, who has pleaded not guilty, faces serious allegations, including forced labor and kidnapping. The trial is expected to last 8-10 weeks. The defense claimed inadequate time to prepare due to new charges and an incomplete document production from the government. Judge Arun Subramanian ruled that Combs’ legal team has sufficient time to prepare, emphasizing the necessity to maintain the trial timeline.
Content generated by AI—learn more or report issue.
Get both sides in 5 minutes with our daily newsletter.
Analysis
- Sean Combs' sex trafficking trial is set to begin on May 5 despite defense requests for a two-month delay due to insufficient preparation time and late evidence disclosure by prosecutors.
- The court has ruled that accusers can testify under pseudonyms to protect their identities, although the defense argued this could hinder their ability to challenge credibility.
- The judge denied various defense motions aimed at dismissing charges and suppressing evidence, emphasizing the sufficient legal resources available to Combs' defense team.
Articles (4)
Center (3)
No highlight available for this article.
NBC News·3M·No highlight available for this article.
Associated Press·3M·No highlight available for this article.
Deadline·3M·FAQ
Sean 'Diddy' Combs faces five federal criminal counts, including racketeering, sex trafficking, forced labor, transportation for prostitution, and kidnapping. Prosecutors allege he operated a criminal enterprise to facilitate sexual abuse from 2004 to 2024.
Judge Arun Subramanian cited Combs' retention of at least four defense attorneys and the sufficient time remaining before the May 5 trial start date. He characterized the defense's request as a 'fishing expedition' for evidence rather than a legitimate need for preparation time.
The judge ruled that accusers can testify under pseudonyms to protect their identities and refused to dismiss multiple charges in the indictment. He also addressed but has not yet ruled on defense objections to video evidence from the 2016 Cassie Ventura incident.
Defense attorneys allege the CNN-aired hotel security footage was 'altered, manipulated, sped-up, and edited,' making it inaccurate. They claim fuller footage contradicts prosecution claims and have requested a forensic analysis hearing.
Prosecutors allege Combs operated the criminal enterprise from 2004 to 2024, with recent charges including forced sex trafficking between 2021-2023. Specific events include 'Freak Off' parties where women were allegedly coerced into sexual acts.
History
- This story does not have any previous versions.