Diddy Appears in Federal Court as Sex Trafficking Trial Moves Forward

Sean “Diddy” Combs appeared in federal court in Manhattan on Wednesday for a status conference in his ongoing racketeering and sex trafficking case. The music mogul, dressed in a khaki prison jumpsuit, faced U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, who emphasized the importance of avoiding delays as the trial approaches. The judge requested updates on the motion schedule by January 3, cautioning Combs’ defense team to prevent “any kind of surprise at the last minute.”

This was Combs’ first court appearance since November 22, when Judge Subramanian denied his request for bail, citing concerns about witness tampering and potential risks posed by Combs’ influence. He has since withdrawn his appeal for bail and will remain incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn through the holiday season.

Combs, who was arrested in September, faces charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. Prosecutors allege he operated a criminal enterprise that organized events referred to as “freak offs,” where women and male sex workers were coerced into performing sexual acts that were recorded and could last for days. Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges and maintains his innocence.

The hearing also followed a significant legal setback for Combs earlier in the week. On Monday, Judge Subramanian denied his request for an evidentiary hearing regarding allegations that federal prosecutors leaked evidence, including a 2016 surveillance video that purportedly shows Combs assaulting ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura at a Los Angeles hotel. Combs’ defense team had argued that leaks to the media, including CNN, were part of a strategic effort to damage his reputation and sway potential jurors.

In his decision, Judge Subramanian ruled that Combs failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove the government was behind the leaks. “Combs argues that ‘the most likely source of the leak is the government,’ but he doesn’t point to any sound basis for this conclusion,” the judge wrote. Subramanian sided with prosecutors, who denied having access to the video before it was made public.

While denying the request for a hearing, the judge reiterated that all parties must adhere to grand jury secrecy rules and stated that “action will be taken” if concrete evidence of prohibited leaks comes to light. He also reminded the public that Combs’ guilt or innocence will be determined in court, not through media coverage, adding that the trial will not become a “trial by newspapers.”

As Combs prepares for his May 5, 2025, trial date, discovery in the case is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 17, 2024. In the meantime, Combs has been granted access to a jail-issued laptop, which will only be used to review discovery materials.