Sean “Diddy” Combs is expected to enter a plea of not guilty on Friday to the charges outlined in two new indictments that broaden the scope of the criminal case against him. The trial for the music mogul is set for May 5.
One of the updated indictments extends the time frame of the alleged illegal activities and includes two additional victims. The second indictment alleges that Combs coerced employees to work long hours under threat of physical and reputational harm, and also forced at least one employee to engage in sexual acts with him. Combs was arrested last year in connection with a sex trafficking case. He has denied all accusations and previously pleaded not guilty to charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution.
Federal prosecutors are expected to request that the trial commence on May 5, with jury selection taking place beforehand to avoid potential delays. The defense prefers starting jury selection on May 5 and opening statements on May 13. Prosecutors also plan to ask the judge to compel the defense to share evidence, as they claim to not have received any discovery materials yet.
The defense has asserted its intention to comply with the request, but not at this time, citing the government’s burden of proof and the lack of decisions regarding potential evidence to be presented during the case. The defense plans to provide items related to a video allegedly showing Combs mistreating his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in 2016. They claim the video has been significantly altered and does not accurately depict the events in question.
CNN has denied altering the video and maintained that the original copy is still in possession of the source. Following the release of the hotel video last May, Combs issued an apology on Instagram, taking responsibility for his actions in the video.
“Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is scheduled to return to court to respond to new accusations of forced labor.”
