Trial Date Set for Sean “Diddy” Combs in Sex Trafficking Case, Prosecutor Argues Against Defense Claims

Sean “Diddy” Combs, the hip-hop mogul, is set to face trial on May 5 in a sex trafficking case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson arguing against the defense’s claims of leaked evidence. The defense alleged that a video of Combs assaulting his former protege and girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie, was leaked by the government, leading to prejudicial pretrial publicity.

During Combs’ first appearance before Manhattan federal court Judge Arun Subramanian, Johnson refuted the defense’s claims, stating that none of the alleged leaks came from the prosecution team. The defense had argued that the leaks tainted the jury pool and deprived Combs of a fair trial.

The judge instructed both sides to comply with rules prohibiting the disclosure of information that could bias a jury and restrict public statements about the case. Combs, who pleaded not guilty to racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges, appeared more engaged during the hearing, whispering to his lawyer as electronic materials seized from his residences were discussed.

Johnson revealed that 96 electronic devices were seized during raids on Combs’ properties, with delays in extracting information due to technological reasons. Combs, who has been held at a federal jail in Brooklyn since his arrest, has been denied bail twice due to concerns about witness tampering and obstruction of justice.

Combs’ lawyers have appealed the bail rulings, arguing that a proposed bail package would prevent him from posing a danger to others. The case continues to unfold as Combs prepares to face trial in May, with the prosecution maintaining that the indictment could be updated with additional charges or defendants.