CNN
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Musician and producer Sean “Diddy” Combs, charged with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for the purpose of prostitution, is scheduled to go on trial in May 2025.
A judge in Combs’ federal case on Thursday set a trial date for May 5, 2025, in a New York court hearing.
Combs, who has pleaded not guilty, was present in court along with several members of his family. Combs’ ankles were shackled and he was wearing a prison-issued tan button-down shirt and khaki pants. As he was led into the courtroom by federal marshals, he smiled broadly at his family and waved to them as they sat in the second row.
Prosecutor Emily Johnson said prosecutors expected the case could last three weeks, but the superseding indictment could impact the length of the trial, meaning additional charges or defendants could be charged. He added that more may be added.
Combs’ attorney, Mark Agnifilo, said he plans to file a defense, which will likely take a week.
Judge Arun Subramanian also said he plans to issue an order barring both sides from commenting on secret grand jury documents or other nonpublic evidence in the case. He asked Combs’ attorney to draft a proposal.
The order came after Combs’ lawyers filed a motion Wednesday accusing the government of leaking to CNN a video of the hip-hop mogul beating his ex-girlfriend. They provided no evidence for their claims.
Hours later, Damian Williams, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, told a judge that there was no “factual basis” for Combs’ lawyers because “the government did not possess the video prior to its release by CNN.” sent a letter saying. ” claim.
CNN declined to comment.
A 2016 hotel surveillance video released exclusively by CNN in May shows Combs dragging and kicking his then-girlfriend, Kathy Ventura.
Combs initially denied the allegations of abuse against Ventura, which were included in a November 2023 lawsuit she filed before the video was released. After the video was released, Combs apologized.
Combs’ motion Wednesday also asked the judge to consider subpoenaing the footage from the trial.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday described the motion as “a means to seek to exclude damning evidence”. The judge said he would make a decision on a possible hearing on the media leak allegations after reading the legal arguments.
Combs’ appearance on Thursday was his third since his arrest, and his first before Judge Subramanian, a Biden-appointed jurist who has been on the bench since last year. He took over the case last week after Judge Andrew Carter resigned.
Combs’ lawyers say he wants a speedy trial because he has been denied bail twice.
Combs is in federal custody at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center awaiting trial.
Combs will next appear in court on December 18th.
This story has been updated with additional information.
CNN’s Elizabeth Wagmeister contributed to this report.
