NEW YORK — A trial date of May 5 has been established in the sex trafficking case involving Sean “Diddy” Combs. During a recent court session, a prosecutor contested the defense’s assertion that key evidence was improperly leaked by the government, describing the claims as a strategy to exclude significant evidence from consideration.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson voiced her opposition to the defense’s argument during Combs’ initial appearance before Judge Arun Subramanian in Manhattan federal court. Combs’ mother traveled from Florida to attend the hearing, where she appeared alongside family members and his children, all seated in the courtroom.
Johnson challenged the defense’s claim regarding a video that reportedly shows Combs physically assaulting his former partner and mentee, Cassie, in a hotel hallway back in 2016. The defense contended that this video, aired by CNN in May, along with other supposed leaks from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, has led to prejudicial publicity, potentially jeopardizing Combs’ right to a fair trial.
However, Johnson dismissed these arguments, labeling them as unfounded and merely an attempt to exclude crucial evidence that could be detrimental to Combs’ case. She noted, “Not a single one of those alleged leaks are from members of the prosecution team.”
In response, Judge Subramanian directed defense attorney Marc Agnifilo to draft a proposed order. This order, pending the judge’s approval, would instruct both defense and prosecution to adhere to protocols that would prevent public disclosure of sensitive information that might compromise the integrity of the jury pool.
The order would also limit public commentary about the case, an action Johnson deemed essential after Agnifilo described Combs’ indictment as an unjust targeting of a “successful Black man” in a recent TMZ interview.
Combs, aged 54, has denied all charges related to racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. Prosecutors allege that he coerced and abused women over a significant period while utilizing an extensive network of associates to silence victims through intimidation and violence, including acts of kidnapping and arson.
Johnson reiterated that there is potential for further updates to the indictment to include additional charges or defendants. Dressed in a beige jail jumpsuit, Combs appeared more engaged during the latest hearing than in previous sessions, warmly greeting his legal team as he entered the courtroom.
Throughout the hearing, he was observed whispering to his attorney, Anthony Ricco, as Johnson detailed the electronic evidence collected during searches of his residences and personal arrest. Ricco later commented that Combs is maintaining a positive demeanor despite the challenging circumstances.
Johnson revealed that 96 electronic devices were confiscated during searches in March, including locations in Miami and Los Angeles and at a private airport in Florida. Additional devices were taken when Combs was arrested last month, with Johnson highlighting that eight devices from Miami contained an astonishing 90 terabytes of data, which she characterized as “extraordinary” and explained delays in retrieving information.
The judge indicated that Combs could return for another court appearance in December, unless both parties agree that it is not necessary. The proceedings largely revolved around disputes between legal teams regarding measures needed to shield any future jury from external biases, particularly highlighted by the controversy surrounding the hotel video.
Following the video’s release, Combs expressed remorse on social media, stating, “I was disgusted when I did it” and reiterated his disgust in the present. In a court filing responding to defense allegations about governmental leaks, prosecutors argued that they did not possess the video prior to its broadcasting by CNN.
In the wake of these events, Combs’ attorneys have been seeking bail for the Bad Boy Records founder, who has been incarcerated at a federal facility in Brooklyn since his arrest on September 16. Two judges have determined that releasing Combs would pose a danger to the community. At a recent bail hearing, a proposed $50 million bail package, which included home confinement and electronic monitoring, was rejected due to concerns over witness tampering and ongoing investigations.
Despite the situation, Agnifilo expressed optimism about conditions at the Metropolitan Detention Center, stating, “We’re making a go of the MDC. The MDC has been very responsive for us.” In an appeal regarding the bail rulings, Combs’ legal team requested that a panel of judges at the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court overturn earlier decisions, asserting that the proposed bail would adequately prevent any potential hazards to the public or contact with witnesses.
They urged the appeals court to dismiss the prior findings as excessively influenced by the prosecution’s claims.
