Music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs made his first court appearance since November on Wednesday in Manhattan federal court, where the judge stressed avoiding any delays as the trial approaches.
Wearing a khaki prison jumpsuit, Combs appeared before U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian for a status conference related to his sex trafficking and racketeering case. Judge Subramanian directed Combs' defense team to submit motion schedule updates by January 3, stating he wanted to avoid "any kind of surprise at the last minute."
This marked Combs' first court appearance since he was denied bail on November 22, when the judge cited concerns about potential witness tampering. Combs has since withdrawn his bail appeal and will remain at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center through the holidays.
The rap mogul faces charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution stemming from his September arrest. Prosecutors allege he ran events called "freak offs" involving coerced sexual performances. Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Earlier this week, Judge Subramanian dismissed claims regarding alleged evidence leaks to the media. This included surveillance footage reportedly showing Combs assaulting singer Cassie Ventura at a Los Angeles hotel in 2016. The judge ruled that Combs' team failed to prove government involvement in the leaks.
While in detention, Combs has been granted access to a restricted laptop solely for reviewing case materials. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 17, with the trial set to begin in May 2024.
The judge has permitted Combs to appear in court without shackles, after his attorneys argued that restraints could influence potential jurors. As the case progresses, Judge Subramanian emphasized that guilt or innocence will be determined in court rather than through media coverage.