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Judge Rejects Sean Combs’ Attempt to Postpone Sex Trafficking Trial
A federal judge on Friday rebuffed Sean “Diddy” Combs’ appeal to postpone his impending sex trafficking trial by two months. The ruling means the trial remains on schedule, intensifying scrutiny on the music mogul as he faces serious allegations.
Defense Seeks Delay, Citing Evidence Review
Attorneys for Combs had formally requested a two-month delay from U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian in a written submission Wednesday, arguing it was necessary to formulate a more comprehensive defense strategy. Earlier in the week, during a Monday hearing, Marc Agnifilo, a member of Combs’ legal team, had indicated they would seek a shorter, two-week postponement.
Judge Cites Ample Legal Representation, Denies “Fishing Expedition”
Judge Subramanian, in denying the postponement, underscored that Combs is represented by a team of at least four attorneys. He stated he would not permit what he characterized as a “fishing expedition” for additional evidence, thereby maintaining the trial timeline.
Motion to Dismiss Counts Rejected in Pre-Trial Hearing
The judge’s decision came amidst a series of rulings on Friday during a two-hour pre-trial hearing. Judge Subramanian also dismissed a defense motion seeking to drop counts three and five, which pertain to transportation for prostitution purposes. This ruling further solidifies the charges against Combs as the trial date approaches.
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Trial Date Set for May, Combs Pleads Not Guilty
Combs, 55, currently in federal detention in Brooklyn while awaiting the May trial, has entered a plea of not guilty to five criminal counts. These charges include serious felonies such as sex trafficking and racketeering. Opening statements are currently slated for May 12, with the trial anticipated to span eight to ten weeks, drawing significant media and public attention.
Defense Argues Evidence Turnover Delay, New Indictment Complexity
The defense letter requesting the delay cited delays by prosecutors in providing crucial evidence, especially concerning a third superseding indictment issued this month. This latest indictment centers on allegations from a woman identified as Victim-2 and introduces two new charges: one count of sex trafficking and one count of transportation for prostitution. These additional charges supplement the initial indictment from September, which included counts of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation for prostitution. Combs’ legal team argued that the new additions to the indictment necessitated more preparation time.
Indictment Details Alleged “Freak Offs” and Coercion
The indictment details disturbing allegations that Combs coerced women into participating in drug-fueled sexual encounters, described as “freak offs,” with male sex workers. Prosecutors allege Combs orchestrated, directed, and frequently recorded these encounters, painting a picture of systematic abuse and exploitation.
Pseudonyms Granted for Accusers’ Protection
In another ruling Friday, Judge Subramanian granted a prosecution request to allow Victims-2, Victim-3, and Victim-4 to utilize pseudonyms during the trial proceedings. In court filings dated April 4, prosecutors argued that three of the four accusers expected to testify sought anonymity from the press and public, requesting to be identified solely by pseudonyms at trial. While their identities will remain confidential to the public, Combs’ legal team and the jury will be privy to their actual names.
Defense Challenges Anonymity, Cites Public Statements
Attorney Teny Geragos, representing Combs, contested the anonymity, specifically noting that Victim-3 has made public statements. Geragos also stated that Victim-3’s attorney indicated she was indifferent to remaining anonymous. Geragos contended that allowing Victim-4 to remain anonymous would disadvantage the defense, as it would obscure her identity behind a pseudonym.
Ventura to Testify Under Own Name, Memoir Drafts Requested
Victim-1, whose allegations closely mirror those of Casandra Ventura, Combs’ former long-term girlfriend, from a civil lawsuit filed in November 2023, is prepared to testify using her own name, according to prosecution filings. Judge Subramanian ordered Ventura to provide all prior drafts of her unpublished memoir to the defense by April 25. A defense request for Ventura’s bank statements was denied by the judge, deeming them irrelevant to the case. Ventura’s attorney, Doug Wigdor, was present in the courtroom gallery.
Prior Lawsuit Settlement and Federal Raids
Combs and Ventura reached a quick settlement in her 2023 lawsuit without any admission of wrongdoing from Combs. Ventura’s lawsuit preceded federal raids on Combs’ properties in Los Angeles and Miami Beach, as well as the subsequent criminal charges, marking a significant escalation in legal pressure against the entertainment mogul.
Details of Latest Indictment Against Combs
The most recent indictment centers on “Victim-2,” accusing Combs of employing force, fraud, or coercion to compel her into commercial sex acts from at least 2021 to 2024. The third superseding indictment further alleges Combs’ involvement in transporting “Victim-2” and others, including commercial sex workers, for prostitution during the same period, outlining a pattern of alleged criminal behavior.
Jury Selection Process and Questionnaire Proposals
Both prosecution and defense teams are required to submit final proposals for the jury questionnaire by Tuesday. Combs’ defense team has requested that potential jurors be questioned regarding their perspectives on substance abuse, sexual matters, and violence, aiming to gauge potential biases before jury selection begins.
Dispute Over Questionnaire Length and Content
The prosecution has argued that the defense team’s proposed questionnaire, consisting of 72 questions, is excessively long. In comparison, the prosecution’s suggested survey contains only 23 questions. The prosecution raised concerns in court about requiring jurors to disclose any history of sexual abuse in writing, as proposed by Combs’ legal team. Both sides agreed that the final questionnaire would offer jurors the option to discuss sensitive matters privately with the court.
Combs’ Demeanor and Message to Mother
Throughout the hearing, Combs appeared somber and visibly anxious. At the conclusion of the proceedings, court officers permitted him to turn and face his mother, Janice Combs, who was seated in the public gallery. He reportedly told her, “I love you; everything will be all right,” offering a brief moment of reassurance amidst the legal proceedings.
Another hearing in this case is scheduled for next week, indicating ongoing legal activity in the Sean Combs sex trafficking case.