Despite his legal team’s request for more preparation time, a federal judge ruled Friday that the sex trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs will begin as scheduled in early May.
During a hearing at Manhattan federal court, Judge Arun Subramanian confirmed that the trial, expected to span eight to ten weeks, will commence on May 5.
Attorneys for Combs had asked for a two-month postponement, arguing that additional time was needed to gather information on government witnesses and address recent developments in the indictment.
However, Judge Subramanian denied the request, stating that Combs, who is represented by at least four attorneys, has ample legal support and time to prepare.
He dismissed the delay request as an attempt at a “fishing expedition” for more evidence, saying it was unwarranted.
The embattled rapper, who has remained in custody without bail since his arrest in September, turned toward the courtroom gallery after the hearing. He gave a thumbs-up to his mother and two other supporters, one of whom wore a sweatshirt emblazoned with “Free Puff”, AP reported. Combs, 55, has entered a plea of not guilty.
The hearing also featured rulings on trial procedures and evidence. Among the decisions, Judge Subramanian allowed accusers who testify for the prosecution to use pseudonyms in court to protect their identities.
He also declined a defense motion to dismiss several of the charges included in the indictment brought against Combs.
According to prosecutors, Combs used his celebrity status and industry influence to manipulate, abuse, and silence women over a span of two decades. They allege he relied on intimidation tactics such as blackmail, physical assault, arson, and even kidnapping to prevent victims from coming forward.
Prosecutors further claim that Combs orchestrated drug-fueled, elaborately staged sexual encounters involving male sex workers and his alleged victims—events that were internally referred to as “Freak Offs.”
In response, Combs’ legal team has argued that the government is distorting his past relationships, particularly with long-term girlfriends, in order to criminalize what they describe as consensual sexual activity.
Source: face2faceafrica.com
