Sean 'Diddy' Combs' bid to delay trial denied; 3 accusers OK'd to testify anonymously

Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News on Apr 18, 2025

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NEW YORK — Jailed hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs lost a bid to delay his upcoming sex-trafficking trial at a hearing Friday, where a judge also said he would allow some of his accusers to testify anonymously.

Manhattan Federal Judge Arun Subramanian denied as untimely the request for a two-month extension filed Wednesday by the rapper’s attorneys, which argued they should be given extra time to prepare to defend him at trial after the feds added another round of charges to Combs’ sweeping sex-trafficking indictment on April 4.

Combs, 55, is headed to trial May 5, with opening statements slated for May 12, on allegations he sexually brutalized women over two decades during the peak of his success, transporting some across state lines to force them into recorded, dayslong “freak off” sexual performances with male commercial sex workers.

The Bad Boy Records founder, formerly known as Puff Daddy, allegedly employed associates and armed security guards to help him threaten victims into silence — including by kidnapping and arson — and targeted vulnerable women who became reliant on his financial support. The feds say he coerced employees into working extended hours through force and threats.

In raids at Combs’ properties in Miami and Los Angeles, the feds seized “cases and cases” of lubricant stored for “freak offs” — more than 1,000 bottles — as well as three defaced AR-15 assault weapons with a large-capacity drum magazine capable of holding 59 rounds, according to court records.

Combs has pleaded not guilty to a litany of sex-trafficking crimes, racketeering conspiracy, transporting victims for prostitution and related offenses. He faces a potential decades-long sentence if found guilty.

On Friday, Subramanian also ruled that three accusers could testify under pseudonyms at the trial, granting a request from the prosecution that argued the individuals would face potential harassment, humiliation and professional consequences if they went public.

Combs has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his September arrest, having failed to convince multiple judges to let him await trial under house arrest on a $50 million bond.

Disturbing allegations about the once larger-than-life music mogul exploded into public view in 2023 after hotel footage first published by CNN showed Combs violently assaulting his former partner Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, months after he quickly settled a lawsuit with her for a reported $30 million. Combs’ lawyers have asked Subramanian to exclude the footage from the trial.

Representatives for Combs did not return a request for comment.

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