Sean “Diddy” Combs Denied Bid to Delay Sex Trafficking Trial

Hip hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has lost his attempt to postpone his upcoming sex trafficking trial by two months, after a United States district judge ruled against the motion.

The 55-year-old music icon, who has pleaded not guilty to five serious criminal charges, is now set to stand trial next month. Jury selection is scheduled for 5 May, with opening statements expected to begin seven days later.

Judge Rejects Last-Minute Request

US District Judge Arun Subramanian determined that Combs’ request for a delay came too late in the proceedings. In a court filing, Combs’ lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, argued that more time was needed to prepare a defence against two additional charges introduced on 4 April.

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The new charges—sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution—added to the original three counts, which include racketeering conspiracy, first filed in September 2024. However, the judge found no sufficient reason to interrupt the schedule.

Defence and Prosecution Battle Over Timing

Mr Agnifilo further contended that extra time was required to review email evidence requested from an alleged victim, suggesting these communications could be crucial to Combs’ defence. However, prosecutors from the Manhattan US Attorney’s Office strongly opposed any delay.

In their response, federal prosecutors wrote that the latest charges did not represent substantially new conduct, and asserted that Combs had no entitlement to the alleged victim’s private communications.

Additional Legal Matters Under Consideration

Beyond the trial timeline, Judge Subramanian is also considering whether alleged victims should be permitted to testify under pseudonyms, a step often taken to protect privacy in sensitive cases.

A Legendary Career Overshadowed by Dark Allegations

Known variously as Puff Daddy and P Diddy, Combs founded Bad Boy Records, the label that launched the careers of artists like The Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans, and Usher during the 1990s and 2000s.

However, prosecutors argue that behind this glittering success lay a much darker reality. They allege that Combs orchestrated “freak-offs”—sex parties involving women and male sex workers—some of whom were reportedly transported across state lines in violation of federal law.

Facing Trial While in Detention

Combs has been held without bail at a Brooklyn facility since September 2024, following the initial charges. His lawyers have repeatedly insisted on his innocence, stating that the sexual activity described was entirely consensual.

Alongside the criminal proceedings, Combs faces multiple civil lawsuits from both women and men, accusing him of sexual misconduct across two decades. Despite the mounting allegations, the music mogul has strenuously denied all wrongdoing, maintaining that the accusations are unfounded.

As Combs’ trial draws closer, it will be watched closely, not just for its legal outcomes but for what it reveals about the hidden corners of power and celebrity in American entertainment.