Sean “Diddy” Combs is requesting a two-month delay in his upcoming criminal trial, arguing that recent legal developments have left his defense team unprepared to proceed by the scheduled May 5 start date.
The request was submitted Wednesday in a letter to Judge Arun Subramanian, obtained by Billboard. It follows the government’s recent filing of a superseding indictment that introduced additional charges. Diddy entered a not guilty plea to those new charges earlier this week.
Defense Argues Shift in Case Requires More Time
Attorneys Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos, who are representing the embattled music mogul, argue that the latest changes have “shifted the ground beneath their feet.” They assert that without a delay, they’ll be at a disadvantage in building a proper defense.
“The government created this problem,” they wrote. “Yet they now oppose our reasonable request.”
The defense also revealed a major addition to Diddy’s legal team: Brian Steel, the high-profile attorney currently defending rapper Young Thug in the YSL RICO case. Steel’s presence hints at a more aggressive courtroom approach as the case intensifies.
From Two Weeks to Two Months: Judge Reluctant to Budge
During a Monday hearing, Agnifilo originally floated the idea of a two-week delay. But with the new indictment in play, the request has since expanded to a full 60 days.
Still, Judge Subramanian remains hesitant, saying:
“We are a freight train moving toward trial.”
Despite the request, the official trial date remains set for May 5, with no formal ruling yet on whether the court will grant the extension.
High-Stakes Trial Amid Serious Federal Charges
Diddy, who was arrested in September, faces serious federal charges including sex trafficking, racketeering, and other related allegations. He has denied all claims and continues to maintain his innocence.
He is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn as he awaits trial.
What’s Next for Diddy’s Defense?
The inclusion of Brian Steel suggests Diddy’s team is gearing up for a more robust defense strategy—especially as the trial draws increasing public and media scrutiny.
Whether Judge Subramanian will allow a delay remains to be seen, but for now, all eyes are on May 5 as the clock ticks toward what could be one of the most high-profile celebrity trials of the year.