Attorneys representing Sean “Diddy” Combs have asked a federal judge in New York to postpone his upcoming sex-trafficking trial, currently set for May 5, by two months to allow more time to adequately prepare a defense.
In a letter submitted Wednesday to Judge Arun Subramanian, Combs’ legal team argued that prosecutors have been slow in turning over critical potential evidence, creating challenges in meeting the existing trial schedule, now just three weeks away.
According to the defense, prosecutors are opposing the request. A spokesperson for the prosecution declined to comment on the matter, AP reported.
RELATED STORIES
READ ALSO: Diddy taps Young Thug’s lawyer to strengthen legal team ahead of trial
Judge Subramanian responded with a written order stating that the motion for delay will be addressed during a hearing scheduled for Friday. Until then, he instructed both parties to continue preparing for trial as if the May 5 date remains firm.
Watch a recent episode of The BreakDown podcast below and subscribe to our channel PanaGenius TV for latest episodes.
The 55-year-old rapper has been in custody without bail since his arrest in September. He has pleaded not guilty to a series of serious charges tied to allegations that span more than 20 years.
In their letter, Combs’ attorneys criticized the prosecution for not providing key materials in a timely manner, particularly evidence related to a superseding indictment issued by a grand jury earlier this month.
They noted that prosecutors have already signaled they will miss a Wednesday deadline to submit their exhibits and witness list.
READ ALSO: Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs enters not guilty plea to expanded sex trafficking indictment
Further complicating matters, the defense claims that some of the withheld evidence pertains to a charge in the indictment that carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years if the founder of Bad Boy Records is convicted.
“We cannot, in good conscience, go to trial on the scheduled date,” the lawyers wrote.
They added: “This is a problem that the government has created, yet it opposes our reasonable request.”
Federal prosecutors allege that Combs manipulated, abused, and coerced women over many years, leveraging his influence and celebrity status to build a network of associates and staff who enabled his actions. They further accuse him of using blackmail, violence, including arson, kidnapping, and physical assault to silence his victims.
READ ALSO: Diddy’s legal team wants jurors vetted on sex, drugs and violence
