Embattled American singer Sean “Diddy” Combs is set to make his first appearance before a trial judge following sex trafficking charges. He will appear before Judge Arun Subramanian on Thursday after being transferred from a Brooklyn jail.
The hearing is expected to establish deadlines for both sides to submit arguments that will shape the parameters of the trial, which Diddy’s legal team hopes to begin in April or May. Prosecutors have not indicated a preferred trial date. Judge Subramanian was assigned to the case after the previous judge recused himself due to prior associations with the case’s lawyers.
Last month, Diddy was charged with racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, based on allegations dating back to 2008. He pleaded not guilty to the charges. He is accused of coercing and abusing women for years with the assistance of associates and employees, while silencing victims through blackmail and violent acts, including kidnapping, arson, and physical assaults.
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On Wednesday, Diddy’s lawyers filed court papers blaming the Department of Homeland Security for leaking a video to the media. The footage, aired by CNN in May, showed Diddy punching and kicking his former protégé and girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie, in a hotel hallway in 2016. The defense argued that such leaks, along with other alleged government disclosures, have resulted in prejudicial pretrial publicity, compromising Diddy’s right to a fair trial. After the video aired, Diddy posted an apology on social media, saying, “I was disgusted when I did it” and “I’m disgusted now.”
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Federal prosecutors denied responsibility for the leak, stating that the government did not possess the video before CNN broadcast it.
Since his arrest on September 16, Diddy has unsuccessfully sought bail. Two judges have ruled that he poses a danger to the community if released. Three weeks ago, a judge rejected a $50 million bail package, which included home detention and electronic monitoring, citing concerns that Diddy could tamper with witnesses or obstruct the investigation.
On Tuesday, Diddy’s lawyers appealed to the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, urging the judges to overturn the bail rulings. They argued that the proposed bail package would prevent Diddy from posing any threat or contacting witnesses. The defense also criticized the lower-court judge for endorsing what they described as the government’s “exaggerated rhetoric.”
