Sean Diddy Combs trial update: Court sets start date for trafficking and racketeering case

Hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs is set to face a federal trial on charges of s*x trafficking and racketeering, beginning May 5, 2025. The trial date was confirmed on October 10, 2024, by U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian during a hearing in Manhattan federal court. Combs, 54, has been in federal custody since his arrest in September and is facing a three-count indictment.

He pleaded not guilty to all charges, which include racketeering conspiracy, s*x trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution.

The charges against Combs are rooted in accusations that he used his business empire, notably Bad Boy Entertainment, to facilitate illicit activities. Prosecutors allege that Combs transported women and male s*x workers across state lines to participate in filmed s*xual events referred to as "Freak Offs."

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Diddy's legal team accuses the government of leaks as the court discusses trial timeline

During the hearing, Diddy appeared in tan prison attire and interacted with his family present in the courtroom by blowing kisses toward them. His defense lawyer, Anthony Ricco, confirmed that Combs' mother and children attended the session.

After the hearing, Combs was escorted out of the courtroom by U.S. Marshals.

Prosecutor Emily Johnson told the court that the prosecution's case is expected to last at least three weeks. Diddy's defense attorney, Marc Agnifilo, estimated that the defense would present their case within one week.

Combs remains in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn while awaiting trial. His appeal against the denial of bail is still pending.

The court also discussed a motion filed by Diddy's legal team, accusing the government of leaking a surveillance video to CNN. The footage, which surfaced in May, shows Combs physically assaulting his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura.

The motion requested that this footage be barred from the trial, claiming it could unfairly prejudice the jury.

Prosecutors called the motion a tactic to exclude critical evidence.

Prosecutors have detailed serious allegations against Combs, including that he enticed women with drugs such as ketamine and ecstasy and made promises of financial or career support. These women were reportedly coerced into participating in recorded s*xual performances.

Prosecutors further alleged that Diddy used the footage of these acts as leverage to keep the women silent and sometimes displayed weapons to intimidate them.

Although the indictment does not accuse Combs of directly engaging in non-consensual s*xual acts, it alleges that he physically assaulted some women involved in these activities. His defense team, led by Marc Agnifilo, contends that the s*xual acts described by prosecutors were consensual.

Sean Combs faces severe legal consequences if convicted. The three counts he faces—racketeering conspiracy, s*x trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution—could result in a life sentence. The minimum sentence is 15 years.

Judge Subramanian also issued an order restricting both parties from making public statements about grand jury materials or non-public evidence.

This order follows accusations from Combs' legal team that the government leaked the hotel surveillance video to the media.

Prosecutor Emily Johnson denied any government involvement in the leak, pointing out that the government did not have the footage before CNN published it.

Diddy's next court appearance is scheduled for December 18, 2024. His legal team has pushed for a swift trial due to the denial of bail, which has resulted in him remaining in federal custody.

The trial will be closely watched as it unfolds next year, with additional legal motions and potential new developments anticipated in the months leading up to May 2025.

As Combs awaits trial, his future remains uncertain. The rapper and producer continues to deny the charges and is preparing for what could be one of the most high-profile trials of 2025.

Sean "Diddy" Combs is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, while he awaits trial.