Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs sex trafficking trial set for May 5
The US rap mogul, who will remain incarcerated pending trial, has pleaded not guilty to all charges
Sean “Diddy” Combs will stand trial on federal sex trafficking and racketeering charges starting on May 5, a US judge decided during a hearing on Thursday, and the jailed hip-hop mogul blew kisses to his family in the courtroom afterwards.
During the hearing before US District Judge Arun Subramanian in Manhattan federal court, Combs’ lawyer Marc Agnifilo also raised concerns about what he termed improper leaks by federal agents about the case.
Prosecutor Emily Johnson called the claim baseless. Combs, 54, pleaded not guilty on September 17 to a three-count indictment charging him with using his business empire – including record label Bad Boy Entertainment – to transport women and male sex workers across state lines to take part in recorded sexual performances called “Freak Offs”.
Thursday’s hearing marked a third court appearance for Combs since his September arrest.
Wearing prison uniform, Combs stood and blew kisses towards his family members seated in the courtroom’s audience after the hearing ended. His mother and children attended the hearing, defence lawyer Anthony Ricco said in court. Combs was then led out a side door by members of the US Marshals Service.
