Judge denies Sean 'Diddy' Combs' request to delay May 5 trial

NEW YORK – The enactment trafficking proceedings of Sean “Diddy” Combs volition proceed arsenic scheduled successful aboriginal May contempt his lawyer’s claims that they request an other 2 months to prepare, a justice said Friday.

Judge Arun Subramanian said astatine a Manhattan national tribunal proceeding that the hip-hop mogul’s trial, projected to past from 8 to 10 weeks, volition commencement May 5.

Lawyers for the entertainer had requested a two-month delay, citing a request for much clip to stitchery accusation astir proceedings witnesses and to header with precocious additions to the indictment against their client.

But the judge, noting that Combs has astatine slightest 4 attorneys, said the defence has capable clip to beryllium acceptable for proceedings adjacent month. He said helium would not assistance a hold and let a “fishing expedition” to question much evidence.

Combs, 55, who has been held without bail since his September arrest, turned toward the courtroom's spectators aft the proceeding truthful helium could look his mother. He gave a thumbs-up toward her and 2 different supporters, including a antheral who wore a “Free Puff” sweatshirt. He has pleaded not guilty.

During Friday's hearing, Subramanian made rulings astir grounds and however the proceedings volition proceed.

Among his rulings, helium said accusers who are called arsenic witnesses by the authorities tin attest nether pseudonyms to support their identities.

He besides refused a defence petition to flip retired respective charges successful the indictment returned against Combs.

Prosecutors accidental Combs coerced and abused women for 2 decades, utilizing his “power and prestige” arsenic a euphony prima to soundlessness victims done blackmail and violence, including kidnapping, arson and carnal beatings.

They accidental the Bad Boy Records laminitis induced female victims into drugged-up, elaborately produced intersexual performances with antheral enactment workers successful events dubbed “Freak Offs.”

Defense lawyers person said the authorities is mischaracterizing the narration Combs had with erstwhile semipermanent girlfriends to criminalize consensual intersexual conduct.

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