Sean “Diddy” Combs appeared in Manhattan federal court on Thursday, October 10.
According to ‘Associated Press’, he appeared in his first pre-trial hearing on his sex trafficking case.
During the hearing, prosecutors said the embattled hip hop producer could face additional criminal charges in the near future, with the possibility of a superseding indictment. He will remain in custody during his pre-trial hearing. According to ‘Law & Crime’, a gag order has also been put in place.
The Bad Boy Records founder’s twins, Jessie James and D’Lila Star, were photographed holding hands as they entered the New York courthouse shortly before the hearing began at 2 p.m. brown prison clothes, ‘TMZ’ reported. He waved to his son, King Combs, who was sitting in the second row of the courtroom.
On September 26, Diddy confirmed that he would “tell his story part by part” according to a statement from attorney Marc Agnifilo.
Judge Arun Subramanian will preside over the trial, after the previous judge declined due to previous relationships with the lawyers involved in the case.
During the hearing, the court set a deadline for both sides to present their arguments as the trial date approached. Combs’ legal team has proposed an April or May 2025 start date for the trial, although prosecutors have not yet indicated their desired timeline.
Combs, 54, maintains his innocence and has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud and sex trafficking. The charges stem from incidents that allegedly occurred as far back as 2008. According to the indictment, Combs allegedly used coercion and abuse to exploit women over many years. It is alleged that he and his associates and employees used methods such as blackmail and violence – from kidnapping and arson to assault – to intimidate and silence victims.
Since his arrest on September 16, Combs’ legal team has worked to secure his release on bail, but their efforts have been unsuccessful. Two judges refused the bail request, citing public safety concerns. Most recently, a $50 million bail package, which included home detention and electronic monitoring, was denied. The judge overseeing the bail hearing raised concerns that Combs might interfere with witnesses or obstruct the ongoing investigation.
On Tuesday, October 8, Combs’ attorneys took their case to the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. In their appeal, they argued that the bail package “will clearly prevent him from endangering anyone or contacting any witnesses.” They also argued that the lower court judge “corroborated the government’s hyperbole and ordered Mr. Combs detained.”
Attorney Tony Buzbee shared that he has 120 new sexual assault charges against Diddy that he will represent.
Now, as the trial approaches, Diddy’s family must also face difficulties. His mother spoke out about her sadness at seeing this incident unfold. The Bad Boy Records founder also recently had an emotional prison visit with both his mother and some of his children.
Originally published in Enstarz.
Tags Diddy, Trial