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No postponement for P. Diddy: sex trafficking trial to begin 5 May

The federal judge rejected the postponement request made by the artist’s lawyers, accused by more than 120 alleged victims of sexual exploitation

The sex trafficking trial against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs will begin as scheduled on 5 May in New York. This was decided by Federal Judge Arun Subramanian, rejecting the postponement request filed by the rapper’s lawyers, who were asking for another two months to examine new evidence.

‘It is not clear to me why there would not have been enough time, especially considering that Mr Combs is now represented by four law firms,’ Subramanian said during the hearing in Manhattan federal court.

The 55-year-old producer and artist, formerly known as Puff Daddy, was arrested in autumn 2023 on charges related to an alleged sexual exploitation scheme orchestrated through his music and business network. To date, more than 120 women have filed civil claims against him.

During the hearing, Combs dismissed two new charges, pleading not guilty. One of his lawyers, Marc Agnifilo, argued that the legal team needed more time to analyse recently acquired documents, but the court ruled that the time already granted was sufficient.

Among the most notorious complaints was that of singer Cassie, Combs’ former partner, who accused him of rape. The case was settled out of court a few days after it was filed, but it triggered a series of subsequent accusations that overwhelmed the artist’s public image.

According to testimony, Combs allegedly used alcohol and drugs to subjugate his victims, forcing them into non-consensual relationships and degrading activities. The trial, which will last between eight and ten weeks, promises to be one of the most media-savvy of the year.

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