A federal judge has denied Sean “Diddy” Combs’ request to delay his upcoming sex trafficking and racketeering trial, keeping the scheduled start date of May 5. Combs’ legal team had sought a two-month postponement, citing the need for additional time to prepare due to a recent superseding indictment that introduced new charges and a new victim. However, Judge Arun Subramanian ruled that the defense has sufficient time to prepare, stating the court would not allow a “fishing expedition” for more evidence.
During the April 18 hearing, Judge Subramanian emphasized that Combs’ defense team, which includes four attorneys, has adequate resources and time to prepare for trial. He rejected the argument that the new charges significantly altered the case’s scope, noting that the core allegations remain consistent. The judge also ruled that government witnesses may testify under pseudonyms to protect their identities.
Defense’s Request for Delay Denied
The trial is expected to last eight to ten weeks and will take place in Manhattan. Combs, who has been held without bail since his arrest in September, has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Prosecutors accuse him of a decades-long pattern of coercing and abusing women, using his fame and influence for blackmail and violence, including orchestrated sexual events. Combs’ defense argues that the government is misconstruing consensual relationships as criminal conduct.
In a separate ruling, Judge Subramanian granted the defense access to drafts of a memoir by Cassie Ventura, a key accuser, and subpoena rights for footage from interviews in a related docuseries. He also ruled to exclude testimonies from two unnamed prior accusers, deeming their uncorroborated allegations potentially prejudicial. However, testimony from a third accuser, known as “Victim 5,” will be allowed.
Combs remains in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn after being denied bail for a third time. The judge cited evidence showing him to be a “serious risk” of witness tampering and noted that he has tried to hide prohibited communications with third parties while incarcerated. Prosecutors allege that even in jail, Combs has orchestrated social media campaigns designed to influence prospective jurors and tried to publicly leak materials he thinks can help his case.
The trial will proceed as scheduled, with jury selection beginning on May 5 and opening statements expected on May 12. If convicted, Combs faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years to life in prison.