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Sean “Diddy” Combs is requesting a delay in his upcoming sex-trafficking trial, asking for a two-month extension to review new evidence provided by prosecutors in the latest superseding indictment. In a letter filed on April 15, his legal team, led by Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos, argued that with discovery materials still incomplete, particularly concerning a serious charge that carries a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence, they cannot, in good conscience, proceed to trial on the current schedule.
The trial is set to begin with jury selection on May 5, followed by opening statements on May 12. The court has yet to rule on the request, but Judge Arun Subramanian has stated that the parties should proceed with the existing timeline until the matter is discussed at a hearing on April 17.
In the letter, Combs’ defense team expressed frustration with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, claiming that prosecutors have not provided all the necessary materials, such as witness lists, exhibits, and 3500 material related to one of the most serious charges. They argue that the delay in receiving these materials puts them at a disadvantage in preparing for the trial, accusing the government of creating the problem by failing to supply the full evidence in a timely manner.
Combs was arrested in September in New York City and is facing serious charges, including racketeering, sex trafficking, and transporting individuals for prostitution. Over the past several months, the charges have been expanded, with new allegations that Combs organized events known as “freak-offs,” where drugs, both male and female sex workers, violence, and non-consensual filming of sexual acts allegedly took place.
The charges are partially based on testimonies from several women, including Cassie Ventura, Combs’ former girlfriend, who previously settled a civil case with him for $30 million. Ventura has indicated that she is willing to testify if the trial moves forward.
Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His legal team contends that the allegations stem from consensual relationships with former long-term partners. A spokesperson for Combs stated that his private sex life, which was shared with his partners, was based on mutual consent rather than coercion.
Combs’ legal team has also criticized the prosecution’s use of “racist” laws and has challenged the validity of search warrants, claiming they were overly broad. Additionally, they have disputed the admissibility of video footage released by CNN, which shows Combs allegedly dragging Ventura in a hotel hallway, arguing that the video was edited—a claim CNN has denied.
With the trial looming, tensions between Combs’ defense team and prosecutors are escalating, as both sides prepare for a highly publicized legal battle.