What we know now about Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ pre-trial court appearance
Sean “Diddy” Combs was in court for a pre-trial hearing in his federal sex crimes case. What was decided in today’s hearing? Here is what we know now.
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ lawyers are pushing back against the federal government’s early requests ahead of trial.
The music mogul’s legal team has responded to the prosecutors’ requests about which evidence should be included – or excluded – in court documents filed in the Southern District of New York April 22. Judge Arun Subramanian’s ruling on these requests will shape the entirety of the Bad Boy Records founder’s trial, set to begin with jury selection May 5.
Prosecutors and Combs’ team are arguing over evidence that could make or break either side’s case. Prosecutors appear to be setting up much of their case ahead of time, while Combs’ lawyers say the government is seeking sweeping decisions too soon.
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Combs’ criminal trial is set to begin in less than two weeks. The 55-year-old Grammy-winning hip-hop mogul is on trial for two counts of sex trafficking, two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution and one count of racketeering. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Combs’ legal team is looking to iron out details around the government’s use of anonymous accusers, particularly the use of pseudonyms for “Victim-3” and “Victim-4,” arguing allowing these particular accusers to remain unnamed impacts Combs’ right to a fair trial and face his accusers publicly, and that the government’s reasoning for keeping them anonymous isn’t strong enough.
Prosecutors also want broad permission to use statements made outside of court – which are typically not allowed – using several legal exceptions, including those made by alleged “co-conspirators,” Combs’ employees and prior statements from accusers. Combs’ lawyers argue that each should be reviewed case-by-case during the trial.
Other evidence or testimony in question:
- The admission of a 911 call from an alleged burglary victim of Combs
- The government’s attempt to exclude evidence of Diddy’s consensual sexual encounters, personal background or “good acts”
- The Combs team’s use of a rebuttal expert if a government expert is allowed to testify
Why Diddy’s lawyers, prosecutors are arguing ahead of trial – including that 911 call
Prosecutors are looking to use evidence from a December 2011 911 call from a man reporting a break-in, which prosecutors claim Combs committed. Combs’ lawyers say it’s inadmissible.
Prosecutors don’t want Combs’ team sharing Combs’ prior sexual encounters where consent was present, nor “good acts” like philanthropic work or his personal life, as it may confuse and distract a jury.
But Combs’ lawyers argue consensual sexual encounters would be used to rebut the government’s racketeering claims. His team also claimed that any evidence of “good acts” or personal background would not be used to get sympathy from the jury.
The government is also seeking witness testimony from Dr. Dawn Hughes, a clinical and forensic psychologist, who is set to explain to the jury concepts and patterns of domestic and sexual abuse. Combs’ team wants to offer its own witness, Dr. Alexander Bardey, a psychiatrist said to disagree with Hughes’ “opinion that certain patterns are typical in such cases.”
Contributing: KiMi Robinson
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