Judge Denies Diddy's Request for Two-Month Delay in Sex-Trafficking Trial

A federal judge has rejected Sean "Diddy" Combs' plea for a two-month delay in his upcoming sex-trafficking trial, keeping the original May 5 start date intact.

Judge Arun Subramanian insisted on maintaining the schedule despite the defense’s concerns, leaving Combs’ legal team with about three weeks to prepare their case against serious charges including sex-trafficking, forced labor, and kidnapping.

Diddy’s latest hearing saw support from family members including his son, Justin Combs, and his mother, Janice Combs, who has been a consistent presence at his court appearances.

The defense requested the adjournment citing that they had insufficient time to prepare following the government’s April 3 filing of a Third Superseding Indictment. This recent indictment broadened allegations and introduced a charge carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years. According to Diddy's lawyers, crucial evidence tied to the new charges only started arriving on April 4, and a significant portion—around 3,500 evidence items along with witness lists and exhibits—remained outstanding as the trial looms.

"Under these circumstances, with discovery seemingly incomplete on a 15-year mandatory minimum count, we cannot, in good conscience, go to trial on the scheduled date," the defense emphasized in court filings, attributing the delay to government oversight.

The defense also accused the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York of withholding over 200,000 documents related to the case. Attorney Teny Geragos admitted this was an unusual demand but stressed that critical communications via emails and texts had not been fully disclosed.

Prosecutor Christine Slavik countered these claims, branding the defense’s requests as "gamesmanship," but the judge suggested the government provide all relevant documents on a thumb drive or risk facing an adjournment or subpoena.

Diddy was charged with sex-trafficking a female victim as recently as 2024, allegedly transporting her and others across state lines to engage in prostitution between 2021 and 2024. Earlier indictments expanded the number of alleged victims and introduced claims that Diddy forced employees to work under threats and compelled one employee into a sexual encounter.

The rapper has pleaded not guilty to all counts. The clock is ticking as the defense scrambles to prepare for what is shaping up to be a high-profile and complex case.