Sean “Diddy” Combs to Appear in Court for Sex Trafficking Trial Preparations

Sean “Diddy” Combs, the prominent hip-hop powerbroker, is scheduled to make his initial appearance before Judge Arun Subramanian at Manhattan federal court on Thursday afternoon. This hearing is expected to establish deadlines for the submission of arguments from both sides, setting the stage for Combs’ upcoming trial on sex trafficking charges. Combs, who has pleaded not guilty, is seeking to commence the trial in April or May, while prosecutors have not expressed a preference for the trial date.

The case was reassigned to Judge Subramanian after another judge recused himself due to his past associations with lawyers involved in the case. Combs, 54, faces charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, stemming from alleged incidents dating back to 2008. The indictment accuses Combs of coercing and abusing women over an extended period, with the assistance of a network of associates and employees. It further alleges that he silenced victims through blackmail and violent acts, including kidnapping, arson, and physical assaults.

In recent court filings, Combs’ defense lawyers blamed the Department of Homeland Security for leaking a video to the media. The video, which aired on CNN in May, depicted Combs assaulting his former protege and girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie, in a hotel hallway in 2016. The defense argued that these leaks, along with others, have resulted in damaging and highly prejudicial pretrial publicity, potentially tainting the jury pool and compromising Combs’ right to a fair trial. Combs had previously apologized for his actions in a social media video, expressing his disgust.

Federal prosecutors responded to the defense’s claims by asserting that the government did not possess the video before it was aired on CNN. Combs’ lawyers have been unsuccessful in their attempts to secure his release on bail since his arrest on September 16. Two judges have concluded that Combs poses a danger to the community if released. A $50 million bail package, including home detention and electronic monitoring, was rejected by a judge who believed Combs could tamper with witnesses and obstruct the ongoing investigation.

Combs’ legal team has appealed the bail rulings to the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, urging a panel of judges to reverse the findings. They argue that the proposed bail package would effectively prevent Combs from posing a danger to anyone or contacting witnesses. The defense criticized the lower-court judge for endorsing the government’s exaggerated rhetoric and ordering Combs’ detention.