Sean Combs requests two-month postponement for upcoming sex trafficking trial.
Lawyers representing Sean “Diddy” Combs have formally requested a two-month delay in the upcoming sex trafficking trial slated for May 5, 2025, in a New York federal court. The request, made public on Wednesday, cites insufficient preparation time, primarily due to what the defense claims is a delay in receiving critical evidence from prosecutors. This assertion outlines a contentious pre-trial landscape, as Combs’ legal team argues that the government’s failure to provide necessary exhibits and a full witness list has impeded their ability to adequately prepare for trial.
In a letter submitted to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, Combs’ attorneys expressed their concerns regarding the readiness for trial, noting that the government has, at times, created unanticipated obstacles. They asserted that moving forward with the trial on the originally scheduled date would contradict their ethical responsibility as legal representatives.
The defense raised particular concerns over missing evidence linked to one of the charges against Combs, which carries a mandatory minimum prison term of 15 years if a conviction occurs. Furthermore, the defense pointed to a superseding indictment issued earlier this month, which alleges that Combs coerced and transported women for prostitution between 2021 and 2022.
Judge Subramanian agreed to discuss the matter at a forthcoming hearing but advised both parties to proceed under the assumption that the trial date remains unchanged. Prosecutor Christy Slavik expressed skepticism about the defense’s motivations, suggesting that Combs’ legal team may be deliberately prolonging the discovery process to stall proceedings.
Additionally, Combs’ attorneys have requested that potential jurors undergo screening regarding their views on sex, drugs, and violence, a proposal that prosecutors have criticized as irrelevant and excessive. The defense’s articulated concerns regarding jury selection reflect the high stakes associated with the upcoming trial, underscoring the complexities involved in judicial proceedings tied to high-profile figures.
Combs, 55, remains in federal custody without bail since his arrest in September on multiple charges, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. He has consistently pleaded not guilty to all the charges across several indictments, including those recently added. As the trial date approaches, the situation continues to evolve, highlighting the intricacies of the legal battle facing the celebrity mogul.
The proceedings in this high-profile case attract significant public attention, given Combs’ status in the music industry and the serious nature of the allegations against him. As such, the unfolding events are likely to remain a focal point in both legal and entertainment news.
