NEW YORK — A trial date has been scheduled for May 5 in the case against Sean “Diddy” Combs regarding allegations of sex trafficking. The proceedings took place in federal court, where a prosecutor accused the hip-hop mogul’s legal team of attempting to dismiss an incriminating piece of evidence by asserting it was leaked by the government.
During Combs’ initial court appearance before Judge Arun Subramanian, Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson rebutted claims made by the defense concerning a video that allegedly depicts Combs assaulting his former girlfriend and protégé, R&B artist Cassie, in a hotel hallway in Los Angeles back in 2016. Johnson insisted that the defense’s argument, presented shortly before the hearing, was unfounded and merely an effort to exclude critical evidence for the trial.
Combs’ defense team argued that the video, which CNN aired in May, along with other supposed government leaks, has resulted in damaging pretrial publicity that jeopardizes Combs’ right to a fair trial. However, Johnson maintained that none of the claimed leaks originated from the prosecution, labeling the defense’s assertions as “baseless.”
The judge requested Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, to draft a proposed order that would guide both parties on how to manage information that could potentially influence jury bias. This order would also impose restrictions on public statements about the case, particularly after Agnifilo’s comments framing Combs’ indictment as an attack on a successful Black man during a TMZ interview.
Combs, 54, has pleaded not guilty to charges including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, which allege that he coerced and abused women over several years with the help of a network of associates and employees while using threats and violence to silence the victims. Johnson indicated that the indictment may be modified to include additional charges or co-defendants.
Dressed in a beige jumpsuit, Combs appeared more animated and engaged than in earlier court appearances, warmly embracing his legal team as he entered the courtroom. Discussions pointed to significant evidence gathered from multiple electronic devices seized during recent raids at Combs’ properties in Miami, Los Angeles, and a private airport in Florida. Johnson reported the confiscation of 96 devices during these operations, highlighting the extensive amount of data involved.
While the judge confirmed a December court date unless otherwise deemed unnecessary, the day focused on discussions regarding the measures necessary to ensure an impartial jury, notably concerning the hotel video referenced during the hearing. Following the video’s release, Combs publicly expressed regret, stating he was “disgusted” by his actions. His legal representatives have characterized the incident as a typical lovers’ dispute.
Despite ongoing efforts by Combs’ lawyers to secure his release on bail, he remains incarcerated at a federal facility in Brooklyn after two judges determined he could pose a danger to the public if released. A recent bail hearing denied a $50 million bail proposal, which included home detention and electronic monitoring, due to concerns regarding witness tampering.
In their appeal to the Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, Combs’ attorneys challenged the lower court’s decision regarding bail, asserting that the proposed terms would adequately prevent him from posing any risk or making contact with witnesses. They criticized the lower court’s findings as influenced by exaggerated claims from the prosecution.
