Regardless of his authorized staff’s request for extra preparation time, a federal choose dominated Friday that the intercourse trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs will start as scheduled in early Might.
Throughout a listening to at Manhattan federal court docket, Choose Arun Subramanian confirmed that the trial, anticipated to span eight to 10 weeks, will start on Might 5.
Attorneys for Combs had requested for a two-month postponement, arguing that further time was wanted to assemble info on authorities witnesses and handle current developments within the indictment.
READ ALSO: Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ attorneys request postponement of Might 5 trial amid proof points
Nevertheless, Choose Subramanian denied the request, stating that Combs, who’s represented by no less than 4 attorneys, has ample authorized assist and time to arrange. He dismissed the delay request as an try at a “fishing expedition” for extra proof, saying it was unwarranted.
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The embattled rapper, who has remained in custody with out bail since his arrest in September, turned towards the courtroom gallery after the listening to. He gave a thumbs-up to his mom and two different supporters, one in all whom wore a sweatshirt emblazoned with “Free Puff”, AP reported. Combs, 55, has entered a plea of not responsible.
The listening to additionally featured rulings on trial procedures and proof. Among the many choices, Choose Subramanian allowed accusers who testify for the prosecution to make use of pseudonyms in court docket to guard their identities.
READ ALSO: Diddy faucets Younger Thug’s lawyer to strengthen authorized staff forward of trial
He additionally declined a protection movement to dismiss a number of of the fees included within the indictment introduced towards Combs.
In response to prosecutors, Combs used his celeb standing and business affect to govern, abuse, and silence ladies over a span of twenty years. They allege he relied on intimidation ways reminiscent of blackmail, bodily assault, arson, and even kidnapping to stop victims from coming ahead.
Prosecutors additional declare that Combs orchestrated drug-fueled, elaborately staged sexual encounters involving male intercourse employees and his alleged victims—occasions that have been internally known as “Freak Offs.”
In response, Combs’ authorized staff has argued that the federal government is distorting his previous relationships, notably with long-term girlfriends, with the intention to criminalize what they describe as consensual sexual exercise.
READ ALSO: Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs enters not responsible plea to expanded intercourse trafficking indictment
