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Diddy Faces Setback As Judge Rejects Gag Order In Sex Trafficking Case

BY JO Mensah November 18, 2024 2:30 PM EDT
Diddy
Diddy Photo source: Instagram/@diddy

Music mogul and entrepreneur Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has encountered a major legal roadblock amid his ongoing battle with multiple charges of sex trafficking.

Currently incarcerated, Diddy sought to place restrictions on public commentary from alleged victims, witnesses, and their attorneys, citing concerns about the potential impact of media attention on his right to a fair trial.

However, Judge Arun Subramanian dismissed the request, deeming the measure unnecessary at this stage. The trial is set to begin in 2025.

Diddy and his legal team argued that statements from those involved in the case could create a media frenzy that would interfere with the judicial process, calling for a ‘gag order’ that would prevent those linked to the trial from speaking publicly.

Despite these concerns, Judge Subramanian ruled against the motion, emphasizing that such restrictions are typically reserved for exceptional circumstances, which he believes this case does not yet qualify for.

Subramanian highlighted that Diddy’s legal citations did not justify a gag order that would silence all alleged victims and their legal representation.

The court also denied Diddy’s request to remove certain social media posts from witnesses. These posts have reportedly attracted widespread public attention and added fuel to the case controversy.

Diddy additionally sought access to communications from government entities related to these posts, which the judge also rejected, describing Diddy’s requests for such relief as excessive.

The high-profile case has gained even more attention following public comments from Courtney Burgess, a close friend of Diddy’s late partner, Kim Porter.

Burgess recently held a press conference, claiming he had testified before a grand jury in connection to the case and possessed footage allegedly showing Diddy committing sexual assault.

He further claimed that the video featured prominent celebrities and even minors. Diddy’s team has adamantly denied these allegations, calling them fabricated and slanderous.

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