As his federal trial approaches, Sean “Diddy” Combs slams the door on anonymity, demanding that every woman accuse him of taking the stand without a veil of invisibility. As prosecutors seek for some witnesses to testify under pseudonyms, Diddy’s legal camp is pushing back, calling for utter transparency before the trial starts.
Less than two months before his federal sex trafficking trial begins, Diddy’s attorneys are fighting the government’s bid to allow alleged victims to use only their initials when testifying. This legal fight has paved the way for one of the most fraught pre-trial battles.
Prosecutors previously indicated that they would formally move to use pseudonyms for some witnesses in a letter to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian dated March 21. But they also opened up about one thing: Diddy’s team will not have it.
“The defense objects to the use of pseudonyms for these specific witnesses,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey wrote.
Asking for anonymity in federal sex trafficking cases, especially those in which witnesses assert there has been coercion, violence, or years of psychological abuse, is routine. The prosecutors say that protecting the identities of these individuals is necessary for their protection and that they need to feel safe enough to testify.
But Diddy’s lawyers beg to differ. Their argument? If a person will testify against him in open court, he must know their entire identity. In challenging this request, Combs indicates that he’s willing to face his accusers on the battlefield instead of in the dark.
Aside from the ethical and legal arguments, using pseudonyms poses logistical complications for the court. If Judge Subramanian grants the request, prosecutors must redact vast volumes of evidence, change trial exhibit materials, and show witnesses how to prepare.
That’s why they seek a quick ruling to avoid disorder in the frantic weeks before trial.
“The adoption of such pseudonyms implicates multiple logistical issues, including but not limited to the redaction of potentially hundreds of exhibits, preparation of potential witness testimony, and proposed voir dire,” prosecutors told the court.
If the judge grants the request, prosecutors want a separate court conference to discuss the details before jury selection starts.
It’s just one piece of a legal puzzle as the celebs prepare for what’s likely to be one of the most explosive celebrity trials in a generation. Diddy, 55, has pleaded not guilty to an extensive federal indictment accusing him of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution.
He used his music empire, liquor brands, and celebrity connections to lure, harass, and silence women for decades, prosecutors say, operating a complex criminal enterprise. Opening statements are scheduled for May 13. But in the meantime, the court must decide: Are Diddy’s accusers able to testify anonymously, or will they have to put their names out to the whole world?
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