The federal trial of US rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs on sex trafficking and racketeering charges is scheduled to commence on May 5, a New York judge confirmed on Thursday, October 11.
Diddy, who was arrested on September 16, faces serious allegations, including sexual abuse involving over 120 individuals, one of whom is reported to be a 9-year-old boy. Following his arrest, U.S. Magistrate Judge Robyn Tarnofsky ordered that the Bad Boy Records founder remain in jail while awaiting trial. Diddy has pleaded not guilty to the extensive 14-page federal indictment against him.
On Thursday, the rapper appeared in Manhattan federal court, dressed in a beige shirt and pants, for a hearing before newly assigned Judge Arun Subramanian. This appointment came after a prior judge recused himself due to previous associations with lawyers involved in the case.
Efforts by Combs’ legal team to secure his release on bail have been unsuccessful, with two judges denying bail requests because he poses a “serious flight risk.” At the latest hearing, Diddy attorney, Marc Agnifilo, raised concerns about alleged leaks from federal agents regarding the case and sought to exclude a video from 2016 that allegedly shows Diddy assaulting his former girlfriend, Cassie.
Prosecutor Emily Johnson countered that these claims were unfounded, describing them as a tactic to dismiss crucial evidence. “Not a single one of those alleged leaks are from members of the prosecution team,” Johnson asserted.
If convicted, He faces a potential life sentence for the racketeering charge, along with a statutory minimum of 15 years for the sex trafficking charge. As the trial date approaches, all eyes will be on the courtroom as this high-profile case unfolds.
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