Judge Denies Diddy’s Request to Delay Sex-Trafficking Trial, Jury Selection Set for May 5

A federal judge in New York has rejected Sean “Diddy” Combs’ request to postpone his upcoming sex-trafficking trial. The ruling means that jury selection will proceed on May 5 as originally scheduled, despite Combs’ legal team seeking more time to prepare their defense.

On Friday, Judge Arun Subramanian addressed Combs’ attorneys, stating that he saw no reason to delay the trial. “It is unclear why there isn’t sufficient time to prepare,” Subramanian remarked, especially after two additional charges were added to the case earlier this month. Prosecutors had opposed the request for a delay, arguing that the trial should proceed on time.

The 55-year-old music mogul has pleaded not guilty to five charges, including sex trafficking, transportation for prostitution, and racketeering conspiracy. These alleged crimes, prosecutors claim, spanned two decades. Since his arrest last September, Combs has been held in federal detention in New York City.

Prosecutors accuse Combs of coercing at least three women into sex acts, some involving male prostitutes. The women were reportedly drugged and forced to engage in sex for days at a time, with these events being referred to as “Freak Offs.” Authorities allege that Combs recorded some of the encounters and exerted control over his victims by offering financial and career promises, along with threats of violence.

Judge Subramanian also issued two important rulings on Friday. First, he allowed the alleged victims to testify under pseudonyms to protect their identities. However, he made an exception for Cassie Ventura, Combs’ former girlfriend, who is expected to testify using her real name.

In another significant move, the judge ruled that evidence related to prior sexual assault allegations against Combs, which are not part of the charges in this case, would not be admissible at trial. This decision narrowed the scope of what prosecutors could present in the courtroom.

With the trial set to move forward as planned, the next major step will be jury selection on May 5. Combs faces serious charges, and this trial is expected to attract widespread attention as it unfolds.