Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs made an appearance in federal court in New York City on Friday, entering a plea of not guilty to a revised indictment accusing him of sex trafficking offenses spanning two decades.
At 55 years old, Combs, with a noticeably grayer beard compared to just a few weeks prior, stood before Judge Arun Subramanian with his hands folded, confirming he had reviewed the indictment and understood the allegations against him.
Combs, who has been held without bail since his September arrest, hugged two of his lawyers as he entered the courtroom.
Subramanian informed attorneys that questionnaires would be given to hundreds of potential jurors by the end of April, with the jury selection process scheduled to commence on May 5 and opening statements anticipated to take place on May 12.
According to the indictment, Combs used the “power and prestige” he wielded as a music mogul to intimidate, threaten and lure women into his orbit, often under the pretence of a romantic relationship.
The indictment said he then used force, threats and coercion to cause victims, including the three women, to engage in commercial sex acts.
It said he subjected his victims to violence, threats of violence, threats of financial and reputational harm and verbal abuse.
“On multiple occasions, Combs threw both objects and people, as well as hit, dragged, choked and shoved others,” it said. “On one occasion, Combs dangled a victim over an apartment balcony.”
Defence lawyers have argued that prosecutors were trying to demonize sex acts between consenting adults.
Part of the discussion in court on Friday revolved around what will be allowed at the trial regarding a video that aired on CNN last year that showed Combs punching his former protege and girlfriend, the R&B singer Cassie, and throwing her on the floor in a hotel hallway.
Assistant US Attorney Mitzi Steiner said the video was “critical to the case.”
Defence attorney Marc Agnifilo said the video was “deceptive and not in accordance with the actions that took place.”
He said certain actions were speeded up in the video by as much as 50 per cent and others were taken out of order.
“From the defence standpoint, it’s a misleading piece of evidence, a deceptive piece of evidence, a piece of evidence that has been changed,” he said.
Combs blew kisses and waved to family members in the gallery as he was led out of the courtroom by marshals.
