In a significant development in the high-profile case against music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, his legal team has formally requested a two-month postponement of his federal sex trafficking trial, originally scheduled to commence on May 5, 2025. The defense argues that delays in evidence disclosure by prosecutors have hindered their ability to prepare an adequate defense. This request comes amidst a series of legal setbacks for Combs, who has been held without bail since his arrest in September 2024.
Defense Cites Delayed Evidence Disclosure
Combs’ attorneys, Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos, submitted a letter to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, highlighting the prosecution’s failure to provide timely access to critical evidence. They emphasized that the government has not met deadlines for turning over exhibits and a witness list, particularly concerning a superseding indictment introduced earlier this month, which includes additional charges of sex trafficking and transporting a new victim for prostitution.
“We cannot, in good conscience, go to trial on the scheduled date,” the defense stated, asserting that the government’s delays have compromised their ability to mount an effective defense.
Prosecution Opposes Delay
Prosecutors have opposed the request for a trial delay, suggesting that the defense is employing tactics to postpone proceedings. They argue that the additional charges do not introduce new allegations or accusers and that the defense has had ample time to prepare.
Judge Subramanian has scheduled a hearing for April 18 to address the defense’s request. In the interim, both parties are instructed to proceed as if the May 5 trial date remains in effect.
Expanded Charges and Not Guilty Plea
Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to the expanded five-count federal indictment, which includes charges of racketeering and sex trafficking. The new charges build upon a previous three-count indictment, with allegations involving a second plaintiff referred to as “Victim-2.” Prosecutors allege that between 2004 and 2024, Combs exploited his business empire to sexually abuse women, orchestrating events known as “freak offs” involving male sex workers.
Combs’ legal team maintains that the accusations stem from past consensual relationships and do not involve new accusers.
High-Profile Legal Representation
In a strategic move, Combs has added attorney Brian Steel to his defense team. Steel is renowned for his involvement in the Young Thug YSL trial and brings extensive experience in high-stakes criminal defense. This addition follows the withdrawal of attorney Anthony Ricco from the case in February.
Bail Denied Amidst Concerns of Witness Tampering
Combs has been denied bail multiple times, with the court citing concerns about potential witness tampering. Judge Subramanian noted evidence suggesting that Combs attempted to influence the trial’s jury pool and reach potential witnesses, including using three-way calls to conceal communications. The judge expressed doubts about the sufficiency of any conditions that would place trust in Combs and individuals in his employ to follow release conditions.
Public and Media Scrutiny
The case has garnered significant public and media attention, with numerous civil lawsuits filed against Combs alleging sexual misconduct. In one instance, an accuser dropped Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s names from a sexual assault lawsuit after evidence contradicted their alleged presence during the incident.
Additionally, a 2016 surveillance video surfaced showing Combs assaulting a woman, leading to a public apology from the music mogul. His attorney maintains that the footage does not constitute evidence of sex trafficking.
Awaiting Judicial Decision
As the April 18 hearing approaches, the court will determine whether to grant the defense’s request for a trial delay. The outcome will significantly impact the trajectory of this high-profile case, which continues to unfold under intense public scrutiny.
