Judge Arun Subramanian refused to push back Sean "Diddy" Combs' federal trial date, keeping jury selection for May 5 with opening statements to follow on May 12. The defense team asked for a two-month delay to review evidence from an April 4 updated indictment. The judge rejected this request during the April 18 Manhattan hearing, calling it a "fishing expedition" for more evidence. He pointed out that Combs has at least four attorneys with enough time to prepare his defense. The judge also ruled that government witnesses can use fake names to shield their identities.
The 55-year-old music mogul has stayed behind bars at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center since his arrest last September. He faces five charges - racketeering and sex trafficking among them - to which he has said he is not guilty. Prosecutors claim Combs used his fame and music industry power over twenty years to scare, force, and harm women. They say his methods ranged from threats and physical attacks to setting up "freak off" sessions with sex workers.
The 55-year-old music mogul has stayed behind bars at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center since his arrest last September. He faces five charges - racketeering and sex trafficking among them - to which he has said he is not guilty. Prosecutors claim Combs used his fame and music industry power over twenty years to scare, force, and harm women. They say his methods ranged from threats and physical attacks to setting up "freak off" sessions with sex workers.
