Sean “Diddy” Combs’ court date is fast approaching.
On Friday, a judge rejected the embattled rapper’s request to delay the start of his trial on sex trafficking and racketeering charges. Instead, the high-profile court case will commence early next month, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian ruled on April 18.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ trial begins May 4
Diddy’s lawyers had asked the court to delay his trial by two months. But the judge said the 55-year-old hip-hop star had made his request too close to his trial.
“It is unclear why there isn’t sufficient time to prepare,” Subramanian told Diddy’s attorneys, according to CNN.
Jury selection in Diddy’s case will begin on May 5. Opening statements are scheduled for May 12.
The Bad Boy Records founder has pleaded not guilty on multiple criminal counts including racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He faces life in prison if convicted.
During Friday’s hearing, the judge also ruled that the alleged victims in the case would be allowed to testify using pseudonyms. Diddy’s ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, is also expected to testify. In addition, the judge said that evidence related to prior sexual assault allegations against Combs would not be allowed at trial.
Unlike some recent celebrity court cases, such as the 2022 civil trial involving Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, cameras will not be allowed in the courtroom in Diddy’s trial. Video recordings and photographs are not permitted during federal criminal trials.
Diddy’s greeted his mother during April 18 court appearance
Diddy has been behind bars at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brookyln since his arrest in September. Multiple requests for bail have been denied.
The Grammy winner was in court for the hearing on Friday. He seemed “solemn and anxious,” according to a reporter for NBC News. At the end of the hearting, Diddy was permitted to turn around so he could see his mother, Janice Combs, who was in the gallery.
“I love you,” he said. “Everything will be alright.”
Prosecutors have accused Diddy of coercing multiple women to engage in sex acts, sometimes with male sex workers, over the course of at least two decades. The drug-fueled activities – dubbed “freak offs” – could stretch over several days and were sometimes recorded. Diddy used his role as a powerful music mogul to lure and control victims, according to the indictment, as well as threats of violence.
“Combs relied on the employees, resources, and influence of the multi-faceted business empire that he led and controlled—creating a criminal enterprise whose members and associates engaged in, and attempted to engage in, among other crimes, sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice,” read the original 14-page indictment.
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 area.
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