Sean “Diddy” Combs faces a potentially lengthy prison sentence as he gears up for his sex trafficking trial, which is set to begin on May 5, 2025.
During a recent hearing in Manhattan, Judge Arun Subramanian confirmed the trial date in the presence of Combs, his legal team, and his mother.
This timeline aligns with earlier suggestions from Combs’ lawyers in the ongoing federal case.
The music mogul has been in federal custody since September 16, following his arrest in the lobby of the Park Hyatt hotel in New York City.
Combs and his attorneys anticipated an indictment but hoped to manage a surrender on their terms, which ultimately did not happen.
After months of civil lawsuits and investigations involving multiple law enforcement agencies, a federal grand jury indicted Combs on charges including forcible sex trafficking, transportation of prostitutes, and racketeering conspiracy.
Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
During the hearing, prosecutors indicated that a superseding indictment could be forthcoming, which might involve altering existing charges or introducing new ones as the investigation continues.
The allegations against Combs are serious.
Prosecutors claim that he and his associates coerced women into extended sexual encounters, referred to as “Freak Offs,” with male prostitutes.
The indictment alleges that these women were subjected to drugging, threats of violence, and physical confinement within hotel rooms during these events.
Disturbingly, many of these encounters were reportedly filmed, potentially to blackmail or silence the participants.
A significant aspect of the recent hearing was Combs’ ongoing struggle to secure bail, as he remains detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
His defense team has offered a $50 million bond and home detention, arguing that the suggestion of witness tampering is unfounded.
Despite their efforts, Combs has faced two unsuccessful attempts to be released pre-trial.
Recently, a new team of defense attorneys filed an appeal in hopes of achieving a breakthrough on this front.
In addition to the bail appeal, Combs’ lawyers have raised concerns about alleged government leaks from the Department of Homeland Security, which they claim were designed to damage his reputation ahead of the trial.
Their primary evidence for this claim is a video broadcast by CNN, showing Combs in a troubling encounter with his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in 2016.
The defense argues that the release of this footage was intended to undermine Combs’ ability to defend himself against the charges.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York responded by stating that they were not involved in the leak of the video, clarifying that only the government has the authority to obtain grand jury materials, which did not include the CNN footage.
In late November 2023, shortly after Ventura filed a lawsuit alleging abuse and rape, Combs reportedly settled with her for approximately $30 million, while still maintaining his innocence regarding the allegations.
Following the release of the 2016 video in May, Combs issued an apology, claiming shame over his actions, a gesture that was met with skepticism from Ventura’s legal representatives and many others.
Since Ventura’s lawsuit, several more women have come forward with civil allegations against Combs, accusing him of abuse, drugging, and sexual assault.
As the trial date approaches, all eyes will be on Combs as he prepares to face the jury and the serious charges against him.
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Source: Deadline
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