Diddy pleads not guilty to new charges as judge weighs trial start date

Sean "Diddy" Combs has formally entered not guilty pleas to the fresh charges against him, including s** trafficking, forced labor, and racketeering conspiracy. The music mogul, who has battled several legal hurdles for months, entered his plea in a New York court as a judge considers the beginning date of his trial. Prosecutors charged that Combs, between 2004 and 2024, used his music empire, Bad Boy Entertainment, to exploit individuals, harass employees, and supply venues for crime.

Combs's defense argued back, terming the allegations unsubstantiated and maintaining that the prosecution lacked sufficient evidence. Despite all attempts, Combs remains detained at Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center with bail applications turned down on numerous occasions due to fear of intimidation of the witnesses. Jury selection is set for May 5, 2025, and the trial is set to open on May 12, 2025, as both sides prepare for a long-standing court battle that is going to last for months.

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Summary of charges

Several charges exist against Combs:

Forced labor

Racketeering conspiracy

S** trafficking

Transportation for prostitution

Prosecutors allege Combs, between 2004 and 2024, used his business ventures, including Bad Boy Entertainment, to exploit several individuals. The charges indicate that staff were bullied into working in poor working conditions and being subjected to non-consensual acts.

Federal officials have gathered immense evidence based on accounts from suspected victims and former employees. The reports suggest a pattern of coercion and abuse in Combs' chain of businesses. On conviction, the charges come with dire consequences, including possible lengthy incarceration.

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Court proceedings and plea

Combs entered a not-guilty plea during his recent court appearance. He has been detained at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center since he was arrested in September 2024.

While attempts at releasing him on bail have proceeded unchecked, applications for this in court have been denied. The main reason given by the prosecution is the fear of intimidation of witnesses, which has resulted in continued custody. Legal experts say that such rejections are based on substantial proof that the defendant can interfere with the judicial process.

Combs's defense lawyers maintain that he is being singled out and that the prosecution has no concrete evidence of malfeasance. They also maintained that he should be released on bail, citing that he was also ready to cooperate with the authorities.

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Trial date considerations

The judge is currently deciding when the trial will start. To date:

The jury will be selected on May 5, 2025.

The trial itself will start on May 12, 2025.

Law experts have said the trial could last several months, given the nature of the case and the number of witnesses to testify. The prosecution wishes for an expedited trial so that they can deliver justice to the alleged victims, but the defense requires extra time to examine the evidence and prepare.

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One key evidence in the case

One of the most important pieces of evidence to be presented at the trial is a surveillance video at a hotel from 2016, said to show Combs attacking his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura.

The prosecution will reportedly be using this footage in support of their argument.

Combs' lawyers have questioned the validity of the video, saying that it has been tampered with or edited. They also claimed that the original video was destroyed and the timings of the attack have been played with to make it look unfairly vicious.

Along with the video, there have been electronic communications, banking records, and witness statements acquired that are said to corroborate the claims. Admitted as evidence, these documents can have a great impact on the jury's verdict.

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Other legal challenges

Besides the ongoing criminal case, Combs is also involved in litigation from other civil cases with charges of s**ual misconduct. These cases add more complication to his legal case and are still garnering public and media interest.

Some of his former colleagues and co-workers have made the accusations, alleging that Combs had behaved improperly and abused his authority. Despite his attorneys' having called the allegations baseless, the increasing number of claims has stirred real doubts.

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Effects on career and public opinion

The long-standing legal case has taken its toll on Combs's career. Part of his enterprises has been unpopular, with partners and sponsors reeling away from him. His music has seen airplay decline on streaming websites and radio channels during the storm.

Public opinion is divided, with some rallying behind Combs and others demanding accountability. The case has generated debate regarding power structures within the entertainment world and the role and responsibility of high-profile individuals.

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Legal pundits state that the judgment of the case has the ability to become a precedent in similar cases that follow. It could encourage other victims to stand up and take action against powerful people if the accused is convicted. An acquittal could provoke debates on how effective the justice system is at handling such situations.

With the formal not-guilty plea and imminent trial date, Combs's legal battle continues. As events unfold, additional details will surface, casting additional light on the case and its implications for everyone involved. The trial will likely be closely monitored by the media, legal pundits, and the general public and should be counted among the most salacious cases in recent history.

Also read:

Investigation Discovery working on Diddy docuseries following trafficking and racketeering charges: Everything we know so far

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