Music Mogul Requests Trial Delay For Critical Evidence Assessment

Gavel and person opening briefcase in law office

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team is fighting for a two-month trial delay in his sex trafficking case, citing inadequate time to review critical evidence, while prosecutors push to maintain the May 5 start date as the music mogul faces potential life imprisonment.

Key Insights

Combs’ defense team argues they cannot proceed to trial on May 5 due to delayed evidence related to charges carrying a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence.
Prosecutors oppose the delay, suggesting the defense is deliberately stalling, while maintaining Combs abused his “power and prestige” to coerce women.
Combs has remained in custody without bail since his September arrest and faces life imprisonment if convicted on all charges.
Judge Arun Subramanian will rule on the delay request during a Friday court session, though both sides have been instructed to prepare as if the trial will proceed as scheduled.

Defense Argues Evidence Delays Make Fair Trial Impossible

The legal team representing Sean “Diddy” Combs has formally requested a two-month postponement of his sex trafficking trial, currently set to begin May 5. Defense attorneys claim the prosecution has failed to provide timely access to critical evidence, particularly materials related to a recent superseding indictment that carries a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence if Combs is convicted.

In court filings, Combs’ attorneys expressed frustration with the government’s handling of discovery materials. “We cannot, in good conscience, go to trial on the scheduled date,” the defense team stated in documents submitted to the court. “This is a problem that the government has created, yet it opposes our reasonable request.”

Prosecution Pushes Back Against Delay Tactics

Federal prosecutors strongly oppose the requested delay, suggesting that defense attorneys are deliberately attempting to stall proceedings. The prosecution maintains that Combs abused his “power and prestige” to operate a criminal enterprise that coerced women into participating in drug-fueled sexual activities described as “freak-offs.” These allegations form the core of a case that spans alleged misconduct over nearly two decades.

According to Combs’ defense team, “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.”

Prosecutors contend that any delays in evidence production result from the defense’s own actions and procedural choices. They have accused Combs of using threats, violence, and coercion to maintain control over victims, with allegations that his criminal enterprise engaged in serious offenses, including kidnapping and arson, to protect its operations.

Combs Maintains Innocence While Awaiting Trial

Combs has consistently pleaded not guilty to all charges since his September arrest. He has remained in custody without bail for over seven months as both sides prepare for what promises to be a high-profile trial. His defense has characterized the allegations as misrepresentations of consensual relationships, challenging the government’s interpretation of private sexual activities.

“These are the same individuals, former long-term girlfriends, who were involved in consensual relationships. This was their private sex life, defined by consent, not coercion,” said a spokesperson for Combs.

The defense has also raised concerns about video evidence allegedly showing Combs assaulting singer Cassie Ventura, claiming it was edited. Additionally, they have characterized the prosecution’s approach as employing “racist” laws and overly broad search warrants against the music mogul. Judge Arun Subramanian has scheduled a Friday hearing to address the delay request but has instructed both parties to continue preparations as if the May 5 trial date remains in effect.