The music mogul’s request to postpone his trial by two months was turned down by the federal judge in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial for sex trafficking and other counts on Friday, stating that he had enough time to get ready.
In the criminal racketeering and sex trafficking case, the rapper and record producer entered a not guilty plea on Monday to two new charges: sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution.
The highly anticipated trial of Combs, 55, who is accused by many women of trafficking and sexually abusing them, should proceed as scheduled on May 5, according to Judge Arun Subramanian. Eight to ten weeks is the anticipated duration.
He vigorously bowed his head on Friday when the judge reminded the courtroom that Combs was innocent until proven guilty. He has so far denied all charges, arguing that any sexual actions were consensual.
“I don’t know why. With four (legal) firms now defending Mr. Combs, there isn’t enough time,” the judge stated at a pretrial hearing held in a Manhattan tower courthouse.
Marc Agnifilo, Combs’s principal attorney, had stated that an extension was necessary in order to review fresh evidence.
In response, the judge stated, “The new conduct (alleged) is not new.”
On Friday, Combs wore drab prison scrubs, his hair and beard flecked with grey as he rocked from side to side, turning around at one point to blow a kiss to his mother, Janice.
Also in court was attorney Brian Steele, fresh from securing a successful plea deal for artist Young Thug, who had faced decades in jail.
Steele did not speak.
Public allegations have been building against Grammy winner Combs since late 2023, when singer/actor Cassie, whose real name is Casandra Ventura, alleged he had subjected her to more than a decade of coercion by physical force and drugs, as well as a 2018 rape.
Along with the federal criminal case, Combs faces a mountain of civil suits that allege harrowing abuse by the artist with assistance from a loyal network of employees and associates.
The rap superstar, incarcerated since September, has started to look noticeably aged.
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