The trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs for sex trafficking will commence as planned in early May, despite his legal team’s request for a two-month extension to prepare. A judge in Manhattan federal court confirmed this schedule during a recent hearing. The trial is estimated to last between eight to ten weeks, beginning on May 5.
Combs’ attorneys had sought a delay, arguing that additional time was needed to gather information about trial witnesses and manage late additions to the indictment. However, the judge highlighted that Combs has at least four lawyers and expressed confidence that the defense has sufficient time to prepare for the trial. He declined to grant the postponement, dismissing it as a potential “fishing expedition” for more evidence.
The entertainer, who has been in custody without bail since his arrest in September, interacted with supporters in the courtroom after the hearing, showing a thumbs-up to his mother and two others, including a supporter wearing a “Free Puff” sweatshirt. Combs has entered a plea of not guilty.
During the proceedings, the judge made several decisions regarding the trial’s conduct and admissible evidence. Among these, he ruled that accusers summoned as government witnesses can use pseudonyms to maintain anonymity. Additionally, he denied a defense motion to dismiss several charges in the indictment against Combs.
Prosecutors allege that Combs exerted his influence as a music icon over two decades to coerce and exploit women, using methods such as blackmail and violence, including kidnapping, arson, and physical assault. They claim he orchestrated events known as “Freak Offs,” where female victims were allegedly drugged and coerced into participating in sexual acts with male sex workers.
Combs’ defense team contends that the government’s portrayal of his relationships with former long-term girlfriends is an effort to criminalize consensual sexual activities.
