A federal judge on Friday rejected Sean “Diddy” Combs’ claims that his prosecution was racially motivated, clearing the way for opening statements in the high-profile racketeering and sex trafficking trial to begin Monday.
Judge Arun Subramanian ruled there was no evidence that Combs was treated differently because of his race. In a written opinion, he emphasized that it was the severity of the alleged crimes — not Combs’s race — that warranted prosecution. “It’s the severity of what Combs allegedly did — not his race — that mattered,” the judge wrote.
Combs, 55, is accused of leading a two-decade-long criminal enterprise that enabled the sexual abuse of women, some of whom were reportedly drugged and coerced into “Freak Off” orgies. Prosecutors say he engaged in kidnapping, arson, bribery, and physical abuse, including a 2016 assault of a girlfriend caught on video.
His lawyers argued the case was unprecedented and racially biased, but Subramanian disagreed, noting no proof that prosecutors acted out of bias or deviated from standard procedures.
The trial, expected to last two months, will feature explicit evidence, including disturbing videos. One juror expressing personal concerns was dismissed on Friday, and the judge postponed final jury selection to avoid dropouts.
If convicted on all counts, Combs faces a minimum of 15 years in prison and possibly life.
Combs has pleaded not guilty and remains in custody at a Brooklyn facility.
