Diddy will face trial as scheduled after a judge denied his legal team’s request for a two-month delay, ruling that there’s no need to push back the proceedings.
During a hearing held Friday in New York City, the judge rejected arguments from Diddy’s attorneys, who claimed that federal prosecutors were turning over evidence too slowly for them to adequately prepare. The team had asked for more time to comb through the extensive discovery in the case.
But the judge wasn’t swayed, pointing out that Diddy has four law firms representing him and that the defense should be fully capable of reviewing the material before the scheduled trial date. As it stands, jury selection is still set to begin May 5, with opening statements expected May 12.
Diddy has been detained at MDC Brooklyn, a federal jail in New York, since his arrest at a Manhattan hotel in September. He faces five federal charges, including two counts of sex trafficking, two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, and one count of racketeering.
He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His attorneys have continued to push back on major pieces of evidence, including the now-viral surveillance footage showing Diddy assaulting ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in a hotel hallway.
Cassie is among several alleged victims expected to testify at trial. While she will appear under her real name, other accusers will testify under pseudonyms. “Victim 3” and “Victim 4” will remain anonymous, and “Victim 2” will be referred to by title only.
Beyond the criminal charges, Diddy is also facing multiple civil lawsuits from both women and men who allege sexual abuse, coercion, and misconduct spanning decades.
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