NEW YORK (AP) – Sean “Diddy” Comb’s sex trafficking trial will proceed as scheduled for early May.
Judge Arun Subramanian told Manhattan Federal Court that the hip-hop mogul’s trial, which is expected to last between eight and ten weeks, will begin on May 5.
Celebrity lawyers had requested a two-month delay, citing the need for more time to gather information about trial witnesses and address the late addition to indictment against clients.
However, the judge noted that Combs has at least four lawyers and said the defense has plenty of time to go to trial next month. He said he would not admit the delay and would not allow “fishing expeditions” to seek more evidence.
Combs, 55, who had been held without bail since his arrest in September, was able to face his mother towards the courtroom audience after the hearing. He gave her thumbs up to her and the other two supporters. Includes men wearing “free puff” sweatshirts. He pleaded not guilty.
During the hearing Friday, Subramanian ruled on evidence and how the trial proceeded.
In his ruling, he said that accusers called as witnesses by the government can testify under pseudonyms to protect their identity.
He also rejected a defense request to throw away some of the charges returned against the Comb.
The prosecutor says comb Women who were forced and abused I’ve been using him for 20 years “Power and fame” As a music star to silence the victim through fearful mail and violence, including temptation, arson, physical assault.
They say the founder of Bad Boy Records was triggered Female victims At an event called “Freak-Off”, he joined a male sex worker in an elaborately produced sexual performance with drugs.
The defense attorney said the government was incorrectly characterising the relationship comb had with his former long-term girlfriend because it was a crime to commit consensual sexual conduct.
