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Diddy faces a judge and jury in May 2025, but cameras aren’t permitted in court during federal criminal trials.
Sean “Diddy” Combs is headed to trial on racketeering and sex trafficking charges. But don’t expect to be able to watch the hip-hop mogul’s legal drama play out live on TV. Diddy’s case won’t be televised live.
Cameras won’t be allowed in court during Diddy’s criminal trial
Diddy’s trial, which is set to begin in May in New York City, will play out behind closed doors. That’s because cameras are not permitted in court during federal criminal trials.
“Electronic media coverage of criminal proceedings in federal courts has been expressly prohibited under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 53 since the criminal rules were adopted in 1946,” notes United States Courts.
In addition to criminal charges, the Bad Boy Records founder is also facing multiple civil lawsuits. If any of those go to trial, there’s a chance cameras might be allowed in court, depending on the jurisdiction. That’s because, in many cases, judges have the final say about whether a case will be broadcast live. In 2022, the defamation trial between Johnny Depp and his ex-wife Amber Heard was televised after a Virginia judge agreed to permit cameras in the courtroom. Many criticized the decision, especially because it involved Heard testifying about alleged instances domestic abuse and assault.
“Allowing this trial to be televised is the single worst decision I can think of in the context of intimate partner violence and sexual violence in recent history,” Michele Dauber, a professor at Stanford Law School, told Variety at the time.
Jury selection in Diddy’s trial begins on May 5
On April 18, Diddy lost a bid to delay the start of his trial by two months. Proceedings are set to begin with jury selection on May 5. Opening statements are scheduled for May 12. The trial is expected to last about eight to 10 weeks, according to NBC News.
While cameras won’t be permitted in court during the trial, reporters will be present to cover the case as it unfolds. Those following the legal drama can expect regular updates on the proceedings. Among those expected to testify are Diddy’s ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, several other alleged victims, who will be allowed to remain anonymous, and forensic psychologist Dawn Hughes. Hughes has testified in many high-profile trials, including those of R. Kelly, NXIVM cult founder Keith Raniere, and Harvey Weinstein, noted NBC News.
Diddy has been charged with multiple counts of racketeering, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution. Prosecutors say he used his position as one of the more powerful figures in hip-hop to coerce people into participating in various sex acts, including at his infamous “freak-offs.” Victims were allegedly drugged and in some cases transported across state lines to participate in the activities, some of which were filmed.
Diddy has pleaded not guilty. If convicted, he could spend the rest of his life in prison.
How to get help: In the U.S., call the RAINN National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 to connect with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your are.
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