The sex trafficking trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs will proceed as scheduled in early May despite his lawyers' claims that they need an extra two months to prepare, a judge said Friday. Judge Arun Subramanian said at a Manhattan federal court hearing that the hip-hop mogul's trial, projected to last eight to 10 weeks, will start May 5, the AP reports. Lawyers for the entertainer had requested a two-month delay, citing a need for more time to gather information about trial witnesses and to cope with late additions to the indictment against their client.
But the judge, noting that Combs has at least four attorneys, said the defense has sufficient time to be ready for trial next month. He said he would not grant a delay and allow a "fishing expedition" to seek more evidence. Combs, 55, who has been held without bail since his September arrest, turned toward the courtroom's spectators after the hearing so he could face his mother. He gave a thumbs-up toward her and two other supporters, including a man who wore a "Free Puff" sweatshirt. He has pleaded not guilty in the case.
During Friday's hearing, Subramanian made rulings about evidence and how the trial will proceed. Accusers who are called as witnesses by the government can testify under pseudonyms to protect their identities, he decided. And he refused a defense request to toss out several charges in the indictment returned against Combs, per the AP. Prosecutors say Combs coerced and abused women for two decades, using his "power and prestige" as a music star to silence victims through blackmail and violence, including kidnapping, arson, and physical beatings. Defense lawyers have said the government is mischaracterizing the relationship Combs had with former long-term girlfriends to criminalize consensual sexual conduct.
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