Hip-Hop Mogul Appeared in Federal Court as May 2025 Trial Approaches
Sean “Diddy” Combs entered a not-guilty plea in Manhattan federal court on March 14, 2025, responding to an updated indictment that expanded allegations in his sex trafficking case. The 55-year-old music producer and entrepreneur, noticeably grayer than in previous appearances, stood before Judge Arun Subramanian as he affirmed he had read and understood the charges against him. Combs has remained in Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center since his September 2024 arrest, with his trial now scheduled to begin May 5, 2025, followed by opening statements expected on May 12.
5 Key Points
- Combs pleaded not guilty to an expanded indictment that added new allegations to his case.
- The charges include racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
- Prosecutors allege criminal activity spanning approximately two decades, from 2004 to 2024.
- Judge Arun Subramanian set jury selection to begin May 5, with opening statements following on May 12.
- Combs has been denied bail multiple times and remains in detention at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center.
What New Allegations Does Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Face in the Updated Indictment?
The superseding indictment against Sean “Diddy” Combs expands the government’s case by extending the timeline of alleged criminal behavior and adding new victims. Prosecutors now accuse Combs of forcing employees to work long hours by threatening them with physical or reputational harm. The updated charges also allege that Combs coerced an employee to engage in sexual activity. These additions build upon the original September 2024 indictment, which charged Combs with operating a criminal enterprise through his business empire, including Bad Boy Entertainment, to facilitate sex trafficking and other illegal activities. Court documents describe a pattern of alleged abuse, with prosecutors stating, “On multiple occasions, Combs threw both objects and people, as well as hit, dragged, choked and shoved others.”
How Is Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Defense Team Responding to the Charges?
Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo has maintained his client’s innocence against all charges brought by federal prosecutors. During the March 14 hearing, Agnifilo specifically challenged evidence related to a hotel surveillance video that aired on CNN in 2024, which showed Combs in a physical altercation with his former girlfriend. Agnifilo claimed the footage was “deceptive and not in accordance with the actions that took place,” arguing that “certain actions were sped up in the video by as much as 50 percent and others were taken out of order.” The defense team has previously characterized the government’s case as an attempt to “demonize sex acts between consenting adults.” Agnifilo’s strategy appears focused on challenging the authenticity and context of key evidence while maintaining that Combs’ relationships were consensual rather than coercive.
When Will the Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Trial Begin and What Can We Expect?
Judge Arun Subramanian has established a clear timeline for the upcoming trial, with jury selection set to begin on May 5, 2025. The court will distribute questionnaires to hundreds of prospective jurors in late April, with in-person questioning starting on May 5 and opening statements scheduled for May 12. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mitzi Steiner indicated that the prosecution would need approximately six weeks to present its case, while Combs’ defense team estimated needing about two weeks. The trial is expected to feature extensive evidence, including materials from 96 electronic devices seized during raids on Combs’ properties in Los Angeles and Miami. Judge Subramanian also addressed evidentiary matters during the hearing, including how the controversial hotel surveillance video might be presented to jurors.
How Has Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Appearance and Demeanor Changed Since His Arrest?
Sean “Diddy” Combs appeared in court on March 14 with a noticeably grayer beard and hair than in previous appearances, dressed in tan prison garb. Despite his circumstances, Combs showed moments of connection with his support system, hugging his attorneys upon entering the courtroom and blowing kisses to family members, including his mother and children, as U.S. Marshals led him out after the hearing. This court appearance revealed a physical transformation in the once-flamboyant music mogul, who has now spent nearly six months in detention. The visual contrast between Combs’ current appearance and his public persona before arrest underscores the gravity of his legal situation as he faces charges that could result in a minimum of 15 years imprisonment if convicted.
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