By Diddy, dressed in tan prison attire over a white thermal shirt, stood before US District Judge Arun Subramanian looking noticeably more subdued than in earlier court appearances. The new charges follow three others filed back in September, which include racketeering conspiracy.
During the hearing, Combs’ legal team signaled they may seek a two-week delay in the trial, currently set for early May. “We haven’t received critical evidence from the government,” said attorney Teny Geragos, pointing to 200,000 missing emails allegedly exchanged between Combs and one of the accusers.
But prosecutors aren’t having it. Assistant US Attorney Christie Slavik accused the defense of stalling, calling their delay tactic “gamesmanship.” The judge was firm: “We are on a freight train speeding towards trial. If you want an adjournment, you need to make that application within the next forty-eight hours.”
In response to the new charges, Combs’ lawyer insisted, “These are not new allegations or new accusers. These are the same individuals… who were involved in consensual relationships.” Prosecutors, however, claim that Combs used his entertainment empire to exploit women over a 20-year span.
Diddy has continued to deny any wrongdoing, saying all encounters were consensual. Jury selection for the trial starts May 5, with opening statements expected the following week on May 12.
