Sean Combs’ Lawyers Seek Delay In Start Of Trial

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team has requested a two-month delay in his sex trafficking trial, citing insufficient time to review evidence as prosecutors continue to withhold key materials just weeks before the scheduled May 5 court date.

Key Takeaways

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ attorneys are seeking a two-month trial delay due to prosecutors’ failure to provide timely evidence, particularly related to a charge carrying a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence.
Combs, 55, faces racketeering and sex trafficking charges that could result in a life sentence if convicted of allegations spanning 20 years.
Prosecutors oppose the delay, arguing defense attorneys are attempting to stall proceedings.
Judge Arun Subramanian will rule on the delay request during a hearing scheduled for Friday, but has instructed both parties to continue preparations as if the May 5 trial date remains unchanged.

Evidence Disclosure Issues at Center of Delay Request

The defense team for Sean “Diddy” Combs has formally requested a two-month postponement of his trial on federal sex trafficking charges, citing significant concerns about evidence disclosure. In their filing, Combs’ attorneys argued they cannot adequately prepare for trial with the current May 5 start date because prosecutors have failed to meet deadlines for providing crucial evidence, including exhibits and witness lists related to a recent superseding indictment.

Of particular concern is evidence related to a charge carrying a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence. “We cannot, in good conscience, go to trial on the scheduled date,” Combs’ defense team stated in court documents. “This is a problem that the government has created, yet it opposes our reasonable request.” The defense has emphasized that proper review of evidence is essential given the serious nature of the charges and potential life sentence Combs faces.

Prosecution Opposes Delay Attempt

Federal prosecutors have vigorously opposed the requested postponement, characterizing it as an unnecessary delay tactic. They maintain that any evidence disclosure issues stem from defense actions rather than prosecutorial shortcomings. The government has pushed to keep the original May 5 trial date intact, arguing that the defense has had sufficient time to prepare despite the recent superseding indictment that added new charges to the case.

According to Combs’ defense team, “The government opposes our proposed reasonable adjournment request, even though it is still producing discovery, including discovery on Count Four—a 15-year mandatory minimum count—and has indicated, over our objection, that it will not produce the exhibits and witness list due today, or additional 3500 materials, while this request is pending. Under these circumstances, with discovery seemingly incomplete on a 15-year mandatory minimum count, we cannot, in good conscience, go to trial on the scheduled date.”

Prosecutors allege Combs used his “power and prestige” to operate a criminal enterprise over two decades, coercing women into drug-fueled sexual acts that he reportedly called “freak-offs.” They have accused Combs of additional crimes, including kidnapping and arson, painting a picture of systematic abuse by the hip-hop mogul, who has been held without bail since his September arrest.

Judge to Rule on Friday

Judge Arun Subramanian has scheduled a hearing for Friday to address the defense’s postponement request. While considering the motion, the judge has instructed both prosecution and defense teams to continue their preparations as if the original May 5 trial date will proceed. This directive suggests the court is cautiously weighing the competing interests of justice and expediency in this high-profile case.

Throughout the pre-trial proceedings, Combs has maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to all charges. His defense team has consistently characterized the relationships as consensual and claimed the government is employing “racist” laws and overbroad search warrants against him. Additional contentions include disputing video evidence allegedly showing Combs assaulting his former girlfriend Cassie Ventura, with his attorneys claiming the video was edited.