Sean “Diddy” Combs is set to face trial on federal charges related to sex trafficking and racketeering beginning May 5, following a ruling from a U.S. judge during a Thursday hearing.
After the proceedings in Manhattan federal court, the imprisoned hip-hop mogul blew kisses to his family present in the audience.
During the hearing, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian listened as Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, expressed concerns regarding alleged improper leaks about the case from federal agents, a claim that prosecutor Emily Johnson dismissed as unfounded.
Combs, 54, pleaded not guilty on September 17 to a three-count indictment accusing him of using his business empire, including his record label Bad Boy Entertainment, to transport women and male sex workers across state lines for recorded sexual performances known as “Freak Offs.”
This hearing was Combs’ third appearance in court since his arrest in September.
Dressed in Tan prison attire, Combs took a moment after the hearing to blow kisses to his family, which included his mother and children, as noted by defence attorney Anthony Ricco. He was then escorted out by U.S. Marshals.
Prosecutor Johnson informed the court that the trial’s prosecution phase is expected to last at least three weeks, while Agnifilo indicated that the defence’s case would take about one week. Combs has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his arrest.
On Thursday, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan denied his request for immediate release while he appeals a previous ruling that denied him bail. A panel of three judges from the circuit will review his appeal at a later date.
The rapper and producer is facing a possible life sentence, with a minimum of 15 years, if convicted on charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution. Prosecutors allege that Combs lured women using drugs like ketamine and ecstasy, offering financial assistance, promises of career advancement, or romantic relationships.
They further claim that Combs used secret recordings of sexual encounters as “collateral” to ensure the women’s silence, occasionally brandishing weapons to intimidate victims and witnesses.
While the indictment does not accuse Combs of directly engaging in non-consensual sexual acts, it does allege that he physically assaulted some women. Agnifilo has argued that the sexual activities cited by prosecutors were consensual.
In a court filing made on Wednesday night, Agnifilo requested Judge Subramanian to implement a “gag order” to prevent prosecutors and federal agents from leaking evidence to the media, citing what he described as unlawful disclosures, including a videotape showing Combs hitting and dragging a woman in 2016.
During the hearing, Johnson contended that the defence’s request aimed to “exclude a damning piece of evidence.”
She stated that prosecutors are committed to upholding their responsibility not to reveal confidential information to the media, but emphasised that the defence should also adhere to the same standard.
Additionally, Johnson expressed concerns regarding Agnifilo’s remarks in a September interview with entertainment outlet TMZ, where he characterised the case as a “takedown of a successful black man.”
She said the comment amounted to an accusation that the government was “engaging in a racist prosecution.”
“Statements of this sort seriously risk a fair trial in this case,” Johnson said.
Subramanian asked Agnifilo to propose an order that would govern public statements by both sides.