Sean “Diddy” Combs is scheduled to make his first appearance before the presiding judge in his upcoming sex trafficking trial. The influential music mogul will be transported from a Brooklyn detention center to Manhattan federal court for a Thursday afternoon session before Judge Arun Subramanian.
This hearing is expected to establish deadlines for both the prosecution and defense to submit pretrial motions, which will define the framework for the trial. Combs’ legal team has expressed a desire for the trial to begin in April or May, though prosecutors have yet to propose a specific timeline.
The case was reassigned to Judge Subramanian after the original judge recused himself due to prior connections with attorneys involved. Combs, 54, has pleaded not guilty to the charges filed against him last month, which include racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.
The indictment accuses Combs of engaging in coercion and abuse of women since 2008, with assistance from a network of associates. Allegations include the use of blackmail, violence, kidnapping, arson, and physical assaults to silence victims.
Since his arrest on September 16, Combs’ lawyers have repeatedly sought his release on bail, but two judges have denied these requests, citing concerns for public safety. At a bail hearing three weeks ago, a judge rejected a proposed $50 million bail package that included home detention and electronic monitoring, determining that Combs posed a risk of witness tampering and obstruction of the ongoing investigation.
On Tuesday, Combs’ legal team filed an appeal with the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, seeking to overturn the previous bail rulings. They argued that the proposed bail conditions would effectively prevent any risk to the community or contact with witnesses.
They urged the court to dismiss the lower-court judge’s decision, claiming it was unduly influenced by the government’s “exaggerated rhetoric” and resulted in Combs’ continued detention.
