Didi’s Request to Postpone Sexual Trading and Racketeering Case Denied

Combs Faces Legal Challenges

Sean “Diddy” Combs was unsuccessful in his attempt to delay his sexual trafficking and racketeering trial for two months, as he had hoped.

This decision was made on Friday (April 18) by District Judge Aruna Subramanian, who noted that Combs’ lawyers submitted their request too close to the trial’s scheduled start next month.

Under the current timetable, jury selection is set to begin on May 5, with opening statements expected to follow shortly afterward.

Combs has pleaded not guilty to five criminal charges, including conspiracy related to racketeering, sexual trafficking, and transportation for prostitution. He has consistently denied all allegations and maintains that the sexual activities outlined by prosecutors were consensual.

Court Decisions and Evidence Requests

He requested additional time to respond to new allegations and to obtain emails from one supposed victim. However, the court firmly denied his request, asserting that the new allegations did not significantly diverge from the existing ones.

Currently, Combs is being held without bail in a Brooklyn prison.

His legal team also filed a motion to exclude videos depicting him allegedly assaulting his former friend Cassie Ventura in the upcoming trial. Alternatively, they requested the court allow Mr. Combs to present evidence at a preliminary hearing regarding the reliability of existing video footage.

New Allegations and Legal Denials

Over a year ago, Ventura accused him of physical assault and rape, with the case being settled the following day, despite Diddy’s denial of the allegations. Months later, CNN obtained surveillance footage showing Combs allegedly dragging, hitting, and assaulting Ventura at a hotel, lending credibility to her accusations. Diddy later expressed regret for his “unforgivable” behavior, though the video evidence prompted claims of insincerity.

Additionally, a new lawsuit has emerged against Diddy, with accusations of human trafficking. A man from Florida, Joseph Mansaro, claims the rapper assaulted and humiliated him during an event in 2015, which he attended alongside Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and LeBron James.

Combs’ legal team dismissed these claims in a statement to TMZ, stating, “This complaint showcases the lengths to which the plaintiffs will go to garner headlines in pursuit of personal gain. No rational person could take this story seriously. Mr. Combs looks forward to his day in court, where the truth and the questionable motives behind these allegations will be revealed.”

News of the latest accusations surfaced just days after a separate sexual violence trial was dismissed last month.

However, the allegations related to sexual trafficking against Combs and former associate Christine Horrome, as well as claims of sexual misconduct and premises liability against Combs, have been upheld.

Combs’ lawyer stated that the “reckless nature of the allegations surrounding these events is nothing more than a transparent attempt to gain media attention,” while Horrome has denied all accusations.

For additional support, advice, or further information regarding sexual harassment, assault, and rape in the UK, visit Rape Crisis Charity. In the United States, visit RAINN.