Lawyers For Sean Combs Seek Trial Delay

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team is requesting a two-month delay in his sex trafficking trial as they grapple with evidence issues that could impact his defense against charges carrying potential life imprisonment.

Quick Takes

Combs’ attorneys argue they need more time to review evidence for his May 5 trial, particularly materials related to a charge carrying a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence.
Prosecutors oppose the delay, claiming the defense is stalling and that issues stem from the defense’s own actions.
Combs faces serious charges of racketeering and sex trafficking spanning over two decades and has been held without bail since September.
Judge Arun Subramanian will rule on the postponement request during a court hearing scheduled for Friday.

Evidence Concerns Prompt Delay Request

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team has formally requested a two-month postponement of his May 5 sex trafficking trial, citing significant concerns about prosecutors’ delayed provision of evidence. Defense attorneys argue they cannot adequately prepare for trial with the current timeline, particularly given the recent superseding indictment that includes a charge carrying a mandatory 15-year minimum sentence. The 55-year-old music mogul has been held without bail since his arrest in September on charges of racketeering and sex trafficking.

In court filings, Combs’ attorneys emphasized the impossibility of proceeding under current circumstances. “We cannot, in good conscience, go to trial on the scheduled date,” the defense team stated, highlighting that prosecutors have missed deadlines for providing exhibits and witness lists. They added, “This is a problem that the government has created, yet it opposes our reasonable request.” The judge overseeing the case has instructed both parties to continue preparing as if the trial date remains unchanged.

Serious Charges and Mounting Legal Challenges

The indictment against Combs alleges he used his “power and prestige” to orchestrate a criminal enterprise involving coerced sexual acts at drug-fueled parties. Prosecutors claim he leveraged his influence in the entertainment industry to manipulate and abuse women, even involving associates in serious crimes including kidnapping and arson. If convicted on all charges, Combs could face life imprisonment, underscoring the high stakes of this case.

“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,” Combs’ laywers said.

Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges, maintaining that his relationships were consensual. His team has contested evidence, including a video allegedly showing him assaulting former girlfriend Cassie Ventura, claiming it was edited. They’ve also accused prosecutors of employing “racist” laws and overbroad search warrants in building their case against the hip-hop entrepreneur and record executive.

Prosecutors Push Back Against Delay Tactics

Federal prosecutors have strongly opposed the delay request, suggesting the defense is employing stalling tactics and that any evidence issues stem from the defense’s own actions. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has remained silent in public statements regarding the delay request, but court documents indicate they believe the current timeline allows sufficient preparation for trial. They continue to assert that Combs operated a criminal enterprise designed to fulfill his sexual desires through force, threats, and coercion.

While Combs’ legal team has expressed desire for a quick trial, they maintain the current schedule does not provide for a fair legal process. They’ve emphasized the court’s authority to grant continuances when new indictments could prejudice a defendant’s case. The ultimate decision rests with Judge Arun Subramanian, who will address the delay request during Friday’s hearing, potentially reshaping the timeline for one of the highest-profile criminal cases in the entertainment industry.