Sean “Diddy” Combs faced a crucial hearing in Manhattan federal court yesterday, marking a significant step towards his sex trafficking trial, which is scheduled to begin in April or May. The hip-hop mogul, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges, appeared before Judge Arun Subramanian, who will set the boundaries for the trial and determine the admissible evidence and witness questioning.
Combs’ defense team has been working tirelessly to secure his release on bail since his arrest in September, but two judges have denied their requests, citing concerns that he poses a danger to the community and would tamper with witnesses if released. His lawyers attribute the denial of bail to a video leaked by the Department of Homeland Security, which shows him punching and kicking his former protege and girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie, in a hotel hallway in 2016. The video was aired on CNN in May, and Combs’ lawyers claim that the leak has led to damaging and highly prejudicial pre-trial publicity that will taint the jury pool and deprive Combs of his right to a fair trial.
Federal prosecutors have denied being in possession of the video before it was aired on CNN, and have maintained that Combs’ release on bail poses a significant risk to the community. Combs’ lawyers have appealed the bail rulings, arguing that the proposed bail package would prevent him from posing a danger to anyone or contacting any witnesses.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs (Image via Getty)
The case against Combs alleges that he coerced and abused women for years with the help of a network of associates and employees. The indictment includes racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges, and alleges that Combs silenced victims through blackmail and violent acts including kidnapping, arson, and physical beatings. Combs has denied the allegations, and his lawyers have maintained that the accusations are the result of a government conspiracy.
As the trial approaches, Combs’ lawyers are working to limit the impact of the leaked video and any other prejudicial publicity that may have tainted the jury pool. They are also pushing for his release on bail, citing concerns that he is being unfairly detained and that the denial of bail is a violation of his constitutional rights.
The trial is expected to be closely watched by the music industry and the public at large, and will likely have a significant impact on Combs’ reputation and career. The outcome of the trial will have significant consequences for Combs, and will likely shape the public’s perception of him and his music empire. With the case being widely seen as one of the most significant in the #MeToo movement, it is clear that Combs’ uncertain fate hangs in the balance of justice.
