Sean "Diddy" Combs has pleaded not guilty to new charges of sex trafficking and transportation for prostitution. These charges were added to an existing indictment earlier this month, bringing the total number of criminal charges against him to five. This includes three original counts filed in September, one of which is racketeering conspiracy.
Combs, who is 55 years old, appeared in a Manhattan courtroom on Monday to formally enter his plea before US District Judge Arun Subramanian. He has consistently denied all allegations against him, stating that all relationships were consensual.
During the hearing, Combs appeared more subdued than in previous court appearances, wearing tan prison clothing and a white thermal shirt. His lawyers indicated they might seek a two-week delay for his trial, which is currently set to start on May 5. They claim they have not received critical evidence, specifically around 200,000 emails between Combs and one of the alleged victims. However, prosecutors opposed any delay, accusing the defense of using tactics to stall the trial.
Judge Subramanian warned the defense that they needed to make any adjournment requests within the next 48 hours, emphasizing the urgency of the trial schedule. Both parties are scheduled to return to court for another hearing on Friday.
In statements regarding the new charges, Combs’ lawyers argued that these are not fresh allegations or new accusers. They maintain that the individuals involved had consensual relationships with him. Prosecutors, on the other hand, allege that Combs used his business empire to sexually exploit women from 2004 to 2024, claiming he organized events that involved drug-fueled sexual activities.
Combs has been in custody in Brooklyn since the charges were announced last September and has been denied bail. Alongside the criminal charges, he faces numerous civil lawsuits from individuals accusing him of sexual abuse. The upcoming trial is expected to attract significant attention given Combs’ high profile in the music industry.