Image Credits: Hindustan Times
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A federal judge has rejected Sean “Diddy” Combs’ motion to restrict public statements by potential witnesses and their attorneys in his ongoing criminal sex trafficking case. The decision on Friday supports the First Amendment rights of the alleged victims, outweighing Combs’ concerns about ensuring a fair trial.
Combs’ legal team sought a gag order following a surge of civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault against the music mogul and after one witness publicly discussed the case after appearing before the grand jury. Judge Arun Subramanian, however, ruled against a blanket restriction, citing the importance of victims’ free speech rights.
“Not all alleged victims will be participants in this case, and a blanket restriction on their speech will silence individuals who may never have anything to do with the proceedings here. And in any event, less restrictive alternatives must be considered and rejected before imposing a restraint on speech,” Judge Subramanian wrote in his order.
Alongside this ruling, Combs’ attorneys submitted a new request for bail, citing “new information” they claim undercuts the prosecution’s case. Combs, who has pleaded not guilty, faces accusations of forcing women into drug-fueled, days-long sex acts, with some allegations including abuse of minors. He has repeatedly denied the claims, calling them “absolutely false.”
After being twice denied bail by a magistrate and a trial judge (the latter recused), Combs’ case was reassigned to Judge Subramanian. Prosecutors have argued that Combs presents a physical threat to witnesses and have accused him of witness tampering. Combs’ defense countered in a filing, contending that new evidence weakens the prosecution’s claims regarding a second alleged victim and challenges allegations of witness tampering.
“The new material demonstrates that the government previously misrepresented the weight of the evidence. And it undermines the government’s claim that Mr. Combs presents a danger,” his attorneys argued.
Additionally, Combs’ team noted difficulties in preparing his defense due to conditions at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC), where he is held. They allege that during a recent jail sweep, guards confiscated Combs’ pens, disrupted his personal notes, and scattered them, making it hard to organize defense preparations.
Combs’ lawyers proposed a revised bail package that includes a $50 million bond, co-signed by Combs’ family, and strict conditions including GPS monitoring and 24/7 surveillance by private security. They highlighted that prosecutors allowed a $10 million bond package in a similar case against a former CEO, hoping Judge Subramanian would approve Combs’ latest bail proposal, which also limits visitors to family and lawyers.