Diddy’s Sex Trafficking Trial Set for May

Sean “Diddy” Combs is set to stand trial on federal charges of sex trafficking and racketeering starting on May 5, according to a decision made by a U.S. judge during a hearing on Thursday. Following the hearing, the imprisoned hip-hop mogul blew kisses to his family members who were present in the courtroom.

During the session, held before U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian in Manhattan, Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, raised concerns about what he described as improper leaks by federal agents related to the case. However, prosecutor Emily Johnson dismissed the claims as baseless.

Combs, 54, had previously pleaded not guilty on September 17 to a three-count indictment. The charges accuse him of using his business empire, including Bad Boy Entertainment, to transport women and male sex workers across state lines for filmed sexual performances known as “Freak Offs.”

This was Combs’ third court appearance since his September arrest. Wearing tan prison attire, he stood and blew kisses to his family, who were seated in the courtroom, as the hearing concluded. His mother and children were present, according to defense lawyer Anthony Ricco. Combs was then escorted out by U.S. Marshals.

Prosecutor Johnson informed the court that the prosecution’s case is expected to last at least three weeks, while Agnifilo indicated that the defense’s case would take about one week.

Since his arrest, Combs has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. On Thursday, the Manhattan-based 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied Combs’ request for immediate release while he appeals a prior ruling denying him bail. A three-judge panel from the 2nd Circuit will hear his appeal at a later date.

If convicted, Combs faces a minimum sentence of 15 years and could be sentenced to life in prison on charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transporting individuals for prostitution.

Prosecutors allege that Combs lured women by offering drugs like ketamine and ecstasy, as well as financial or career support, or promises of a romantic relationship. He is accused of secretly recording the sexual encounters and using the footage to ensure the women’s silence. Prosecutors also claim he intimidated victims and witnesses by displaying weapons.

While the indictment does not allege that Combs himself engaged in non-consensual sexual acts, it does accuse him of physically assaulting women. Agnifilo has argued that the sexual activities described by prosecutors were consensual.

In a filing submitted on Wednesday, Agnifilo requested that Judge Subramanian issue a “gag order” to prevent prosecutors and federal agents from leaking evidence to the media. He cited unlawful leaks, including a videotape from 2016 that allegedly shows Combs striking and dragging a woman.

During the hearing, prosecutor Johnson characterized the defense’s request as an attempt to suppress incriminating evidence. While Johnson acknowledged the government’s obligation to avoid disclosing confidential evidence to the media, she also suggested that the defense should be held to the same standard.

Johnson further raised concerns about Agnifilo’s statement in a September interview with TMZ, in which he referred to the case as a “takedown of a successful Black man.” She argued that the comment implied the government was engaging in a racially biased prosecution, potentially jeopardizing a fair trial.

Judge Subramanian requested that Agnifilo draft a proposed order governing public statements from both the defense and the prosecution.