A federal judge officially shot down Diddy’s request to delay his impending criminal trial by two months. The decision followed a clear 48-hour ultimatum laid down by Judge Arun Subramanian that Diddy’s legal team persuade him to delay ruling on the case, an ultimatum that, it now turns out, had no impact whatsoever on the direction of the court.
Referring to the trial’s lead-up as a “freight train,” Judge Subramanian clarified that this freight train intends to slow for no one. The trial date is still on the books for May 5, which means that Combs’ legal team has less than three weeks to prepare for what’s in store.
The courtroom was not empty at this critical juncture. Justin Combs, Diddy’s son, and Janice Combs, the hip-hop mogul’s mother, remained for the decision denying the requested adjournment. The family was present, lending a personal seriousness to a case that has already commanded headlines nationwide.
Diddy’s lawyers had requested the additional time, contending that they needed the months to mount an adequate defense. And it’s not an insignificant task they face. The team says it’s still going through a mountain of evidence, including 200,000 emails and other materials federal prosecutors have not yet turned over. Add to that a list of 3,500 pending evidentiary items and a witness list that’s still being compiled, and it’s clear they’re not overstating the size of the prep work still to do.
Combs, 46, was charged with a third, superseding indictment earlier this month. According to reports, the indictment includes a serious new charge that carries a mandatory minimum of 15 years. He was arraigned on that updated indictment on April 14, just days before the request for additional time was filed.
But in the court’s view, prepared or otherwise, the train is barreling ahead. Judge Subramanian clarified that This case is proceeding on time, and there won’t be any delays.
With a May 5 trial date set in stone, all attention will shift to what happens next. The coming weeks should be intense with such stakes, substantial public interest, and pressure building on both sides. Whatever the case, Diddy’s legal battle isn’t going anywhere, and the courtroom drama is only getting started.
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