Sean 'Diddy' Combs, the renowned hip-hop mogul, made his first appearance before Judge Arun Subramanian at Manhattan federal court in relation to the sex trafficking charges brought against him. Combs, 54, has pleaded not guilty to charges including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking dating back to 2008.
The hearing aimed to establish deadlines for the submission of arguments from both the defense and prosecution, setting the stage for a trial that Combs' legal team hopes to commence in April or May. Prosecutors have not indicated a preference for the trial timeline.
Judge Subramanian was assigned to the case after a previous judge recused himself due to past associations with the case's lawyers. The indictment alleges that Combs, with the assistance of a network of associates, coerced and abused women over several years, using blackmail, kidnapping, arson, and physical violence to silence victims.
Despite efforts by Combs' lawyers to secure his release on bail since his arrest on September 16, two judges have deemed him a danger to the community. A recent bail hearing rejected a $50 million bail package, citing concerns about witness tampering and obstruction of the investigation.
In an appeal to the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, Combs' legal team argued that the proposed bail conditions, including home detention and electronic monitoring, would prevent any potential danger or witness interference. They criticized the lower-court judge for allegedly siding with the prosecution's claims and ordering Combs' detention.
