Court sets date for P.Diddy's trial: family comes to support rapper

American rapper and producer Sean "Diddy" Combs, better known as P. Diddy, who is accused of sex trafficking and racketeering, will stand trial next spring. During a hearing in New York on October 10, the judge in the star's federal case set the trial date for May 5, 2025.

This was reported by CNN. Combs, who pleaded not guilty, was present in the courtroom, as were several members of his family. The musician's ankles were shackled, and he was wearing a button-down shirt and khaki pants issued to him by the prison. He smiled broadly at his family as a U.S. marshal led him into the courtroom.

Prosecutor Emily Johnson said that the prosecution expects the trial to last three weeks, but added that the length of the trial could be affected by the amendment of the indictment, meaning that additional charges could be added to the case.

Combs' lawyer, Mark Agnifilo, said they will prepare the defense arguments, which will likely take one week. Judge Arun Subramanian also noted that he would issue an order prohibiting both sides from making statements about secret jury materials and other non-public evidence in the case. He asked Combs' lawyers to prepare a proposal to that effect.

The order comes after Diddy's lawyers filed a motion accusing the government of leaking a video of the hip-hop mogul beating his ex-girlfriend. The 2016 hotel surveillance video, released exclusively to CNN in May, shows Combs dragging and kicking his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura.

Combs' Oct. 10 court appearance was his third since his arrest and his first before Judge Subramanian, a Biden-nominated lawyer who has been in office since last year. He received the case last week after Judge Andrew Carter recused himself. Combs' lawyers said they want to proceed with the trial as soon as possible, as the rapper has been denied bail twice.

Combs is awaiting trial at the federal prison in Brooklyn, in the Metropolitan Detention Center. Combs will next appear in court on December 18.

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