Sean “Diddy” Combs, the renowned hip-hop entrepreneur, is scheduled to stand trial on federal charges of sex trafficking and racketeering starting May 5, 2025.
This decision was made during a recent hearing in Manhattan presided over by U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian. Combs’ attorney raised concerns regarding alleged leaks from federal agents, but prosecutor Emily Johnson dismissed these allegations as unfounded.
Combs entered a not guilty plea on September 17 to a three-count indictment. He is accused of utilizing his business enterprises, including Bad Boy Entertainment, to transport women and male sex workers across state lines for sexual performances referred to as “Freak Offs.”
This hearing marked Combs’ third appearance in court since his arrest. Dressed in tan prison garb, he was seen blowing kisses to family members after the session ended, with his mother and children present, as confirmed by his defense attorney, Anthony Ricco.
Prosecutors expect their case to last at least three weeks, while the defense will need about a week to present their arguments. Combs has been detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his arrest, with the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denying his request for release.
If found guilty, Combs could face a minimum sentence of 15 years and potentially life in prison. Prosecutors allege he used drugs, financial incentives, and career prospects to lure women and male sex workers into his schemes. They claim the recordings of these encounters were used as “collateral” to silence the victims, often accompanied by threats involving weapons for intimidation.
While Combs is not charged with non-consensual sexual contact, prosecutors assert he physically assaulted some women. His attorney, Marc Agnifilo, argues that all interactions were consensual and has requested a gag order to prevent prosecutors from leaking evidence to the media. This request was prompted by the circulation of a videotape showing Combs allegedly striking a woman in 2016.
In response, Johnson asserted that the gag order appeared intended to suppress “damning” evidence, insisting that both sides should adhere to confidentiality regarding case evidence. She also highlighted concerns over Agnifilo’s prior public statements, which included accusations of racism against the prosecution, warning that such comments could jeopardize a fair trial.
The judge instructed Agnifilo to draft guidelines on public statements related to the case.
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