Nationwide — Sean “Diddy” Combs’ intercourse trafficking trial, initially scheduled for Could 2025, has been postponed by per week. The choice got here after a listening to a couple of new pressured labor cost, whereby Combs pleaded not responsible.
The choose defined that extra time is required to handle authorized issues earlier than the trial begins. Jury choice is ready for late April and will take as much as three days, giving the protection extra preparation time, based on Blavity.
Combs, who already faces charges associated to intercourse trafficking, racketeering, and transporting people for prostitution, now faces an extra cost of pressured labor. Prosecutors allege that he used intimidation and threats, together with withholding pay and sleep deprivation, to pressure workers to conform along with his calls for.
Prosecutor Mitzi Steiner said that over 20 potential witnesses might testify however are reluctant to return ahead as a result of concern of retaliation. Choose Arun Subramanian ordered their identities to be shared with the protection below strict confidentiality.
Along with the trial delay, the prosecution offered new proof, together with a 2016 video allegedly displaying Combs in a lodge hallway assaulting his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura.
If convicted on the fees, together with pressured labor, Combs might face life in jail. His trial is now set to start on Could 12, 2025.
