Sean "Diddy" Combs has formally requested that prosecutors disclose the identities of the individuals accusing him in a high-profile sex trafficking case. In legal documents submitted to the Manhattan federal court, Combs’ attorneys argued that the names of his accusers are necessary to properly prepare for his trial, scheduled for May 5, 2024.
The 54-year-old music mogul has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and transporting individuals for prostitution. Combs remains in custody while awaiting trial.
Combs' legal team emphasized the importance of knowing the identities of his accusers due to the significant number of allegations against him. His attorneys highlighted that many of these allegations stem from his fame and wealth, leading to what they described as a "media circus" that has harmed his reputation.
According to court filings, six anonymous civil lawsuits were filed against Combs on Monday, adding to the numerous allegations already circulating in the media. His legal team expressed concern that this growing list of accusations, many of which they claim are unfounded, could compromise his ability to receive a fair trial.
The prosecution, however, has resisted disclosing the names of the alleged victims at this stage, prompting Combs' lawyers to argue that the extensive number of unidentified accusers leaves their client in an unfair position. They pointed out that some of these allegations date back decades, with accusations of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse spanning Combs' career.
The indictment also references a 2023 civil lawsuit filed by Casandra "Cassie" Ventura, who accused Combs of sexual assault and abuse during their relationship. Combs settled the case a day after it was filed, but she is believed to be identified as "Victim-1" in the federal case.
Combs' legal team maintains that without knowing who the accusers are, they are forced to defend against vague allegations from unnamed individuals, making it difficult to properly challenge the claims. They also argued that many of the allegations revolve around consensual sexual activity, complicating efforts to discern which interactions may now be considered coercive.
As the case progresses, Combs' defense team continues to push for greater transparency in identifying the accusers, while prosecutors are expected to reveal further details. For now, Combs and his legal team are awaiting the court's decision on their request for disclosure. The Manhattan U.S. attorney’s office has declined to comment on the matter.
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