Court Schedules Trial for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs in Racketeering and Sex Trafficking Case
Musician and producer Sean "Diddy" Combs faces charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and involvement in prostitution, with a trial set for May 2025. The federal judge presiding over Combs' case scheduled the trial for May 5, 2025, during a court session in New York on Thursday.
Combs, who has denied all charges, appeared in court alongside family members. His ankles were shackled, and he wore a loose tan shirt with khaki trousers. As a U.S. Marshal escorted him in, Combs warmly greeted his family with a broad smile and a wave from the aisle.
Prosecutor Emily Johnson indicated the prosecution's case might span three weeks, though a superseding indictment could extend the trial by introducing extra charges or additional defendants. Combs’ legal representative, Marc Agnifilo, mentioned their defense would likely take a week.
Judge Arun Subramanian announced plans to issue an order restricting both parties from discussing confidential grand jury materials and other private evidence. He requested Combs’ attorneys draft a suitable proposal.
The order follows a motion filed by Combs' lawyers on Wednesday, accusing the government of leaking a video to CNN showing the hip-hop mogul assaulting his former partner. They did not provide supporting evidence.
Subsequently, Damian Williams, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, informed the judge that the government had not possessed the video before CNN's release, challenging the claims by Combs’ attorneys.
CNN chose not to comment.
The 2016 hotel surveillance footage, released by CNN in May, depicts Combs dragging and kicking then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. Initially, Combs refuted Ventura’s abuse allegations, which she filed in a November 2023 lawsuit prior to the video’s release. Afterward, Combs issued an apology.
Combs' legal team also requested the judge to consider excluding the footage from the trial. On Thursday, Johnson labeled the motion an attempt to "exclude damning evidence." The judge plans to decide on a potential hearing about the alleged media leaks after evaluating the legal documentation.
Thursday marked Combs’ third court appearance since his arrest and his first before Judge Subramanian, a Biden-appointed judge in service since last year. The case was assigned to him after Judge Andrew Carter recused himself.
Combs’ lawyers have expressed a desire for a swift trial due to repeated bail denials. Currently, Combs is held in federal custody at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center. His next court date is set for December 18.
This report includes additional information. CNN’s Elizabeth Wagmeister contributed to this story.
