Sean “Diddy” Combs is seeking additional time before his scheduled trial for sex trafficking, requesting a two-month delay in a letter submitted to a federal judge on April 15. His legal team explained that they need more time to thoroughly review new evidence provided by prosecutors in the most recent superseding indictment.
Combs’ defense attorneys, Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos, argued that with critical discovery materials still pending, particularly for a charge carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, they could not ethically proceed with the trial as originally planned. The trial is currently set to begin with jury selection on May 5, followed by opening statements on May 12, but the court has yet to decide on the request. Judge Arun Subramanian has instructed all parties to adhere to the current trial timeline until a hearing scheduled for April 17.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has opposed the delay, noting that the defense’s request comes despite ongoing discovery by the prosecution. The defense, however, asserts that key documents—such as witness lists, exhibits, and certain materials—are still missing, placing them at a significant disadvantage in preparing for the trial.
Combs faces severe charges, including racketeering, sex trafficking, and transporting individuals for prostitution, following his arrest in New York City last September. Over recent months, prosecutors have added more charges to the case, including claims that Combs organized “freak-off” events that involved drugs, sex workers, and unconsented filming of sexual acts.
Some of the charges stem from testimony by former partners, including Cassie Ventura, who previously filed a civil suit against Combs and received a $30 million settlement. Ventura has expressed willingness to testify in the trial if it proceeds.
Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges, maintaining that the relationships at the heart of the allegations were consensual. His legal team has also criticized the prosecutors’ reliance on what they describe as “racist” laws, and they have challenged the validity of evidence, including a controversial video aired by CNN showing Combs allegedly dragging Ventura through a hotel hallway. His lawyers claim the footage was altered, though CNN has denied these claims.
