**Diddy’s Request to Delay Sex-Trafficking Trial Denied**
**Meta Description:** Sean “Diddy” Combs’ request to postpone his sex-trafficking trial by two months has been denied by a federal judge. The trial is set to begin next month.
**URL Slug:** diddy-sex-trafficking-trial-delay-denied
**Diddy’s Request to Delay Sex-Trafficking Trial Denied**
Hip hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has faced a setback in his legal battle as a U.S. district judge has denied his request to postpone his upcoming sex-trafficking trial by two months. Judge Arun Subramanian ruled that the 55-year-old rapper submitted his request too close to the trial date, which is scheduled to commence next month. Jury selection is set for May 5, with opening statements expected to follow on May 12.
Combs has pleaded not guilty to five criminal charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking. Prosecutors from the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s Office allege that Combs exploited his business empire to sexually abuse women from 2004 to 2024. In response, Combs’s legal team contends that the sexual encounters described by the prosecution were consensual.
In a court filing on Wednesday, Combs’s attorney, Marc Agnifilo, requested the delay to allow more time to prepare a defense against two new charges introduced on April 4, which include sex trafficking and transportation for prostitution. Agnifilo also indicated that his team requires additional time to review emails that they wish to obtain from an alleged victim.
The new charges have increased the total number of criminal counts against Combs to five, following the original three counts, which included racketeering conspiracy filed in September. Federal prosecutors opposed the delay, arguing that the new charges do not represent significantly new conduct and that Combs is not entitled to the alleged victim’s communications.
Judge Subramanian is also considering other evidentiary matters, such as whether alleged victims can testify under pseudonyms. Known for his influential role in the music industry, Combs, who has also gone by Puff Daddy and P Diddy, founded Bad Boy Records and played a pivotal role in launching the careers of numerous artists, including Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans, and Usher during the 1990s and 2000s.
However, prosecutors assert that Combs’s success masked a troubling side, alleging that his abusive behavior included coercing women into participating in recorded sexual acts with male sex workers, some of whom were allegedly transported across state lines. Combs has been incarcerated in Brooklyn since September after being denied bail and is also facing multiple civil lawsuits from individuals accusing him of sexual abuse. He has consistently denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
**FAQ Section**
**Q: What are the charges against Sean Combs?**
A: Sean Combs faces five criminal charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking, with allegations of using his business empire to exploit women.
