Sean "Diddy" Combs Faces Pre-Trial Hearing in Federal Sex Trafficking Case

Sean "Diddy" Combs sits with members of his defense team Marc Agnifilo, Teny Geragos, Alexandra Shapiro and Jason Driscoll for a conference ahead of his trial next month on sex trafficking charges in New York on April 18, 2025, in this courtroom sketch.

Sean "Diddy" Combs is scheduled to appear in court on Friday, where a federal judge will determine the scope of expert witness testimony allowed in his upcoming sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy trial, set to begin next month. The 55-year-old music mogul has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include allegations of coercing women into participating in elaborate sexual events known as “Freak Offs.”

The trial, overseen by U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, is expected to begin with jury selection on May 5, with opening statements scheduled for May 12. The proceedings are anticipated to last between eight to ten weeks. At Friday’s hearing, scheduled for 11 a.m. EDT, the court will determine whether expert testimony regarding the psychological effects of sexual abuse can be introduced.

Janice Combs, mother of Sean "Diddy" Combs, arrives at the Southern District of New York Federal Court for a court hearing on April 18, 2025, in New York City. In a motion filed on Wednesday, attorneys for Combs asked to delay the start of his sex trafficking trial by two months after its scheduled May 5 start date. A judge denied that motion

Federal prosecutors from the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s Office intend to call psychologist Dawn Hughes to the stand. Hughes, a seasoned expert in the psychology of sexual trauma, is expected to testify on how victims of abuse may continue to maintain emotional attachments to their abuser due to manipulation, trauma bonding, or fear of violence. Prosecutors argue that this testimony is essential to help jurors understand why victims may have appeared to willingly remain in relationships with Combs or expressed affection toward him.

Justin Dior Combs (right), son of Sean "Diddy" Combs, and a guest in a "Free Puff" hoodie arrive for a hearing at the Southern District of New York Federal Court on April 18, 2025, in New York City

Prosecutors assert that Combs used emotional manipulation, threats of violence, and financial control to force participation in drug-fueled, multi-day sex acts with male sex workers. These alleged events, dubbed “Freak Offs,” were reportedly recorded by Combs for his own gratification. Despite Combs' argument that these acts were consensual, prosecutors maintain that Hughes’ testimony will provide insight into the complexities of victim behavior in coercive and abusive relationships.

Defense attorney Alexandra Shapiro has objected to the proposed expert testimony, arguing that it unfairly serves to bolster the credibility of the alleged victims. During an April 18 hearing, Shapiro claimed the government was attempting to use Hughes’ insights to influence the jury’s perception of the accusers' reliability.

Brian Steel, newly appointed attorney for Sean "Diddy" Combs, arrives for a hearing at the Southern District of New York Federal Court on April 18, 2025, in New York City.

Combs, who rose to fame under the names Puff Daddy and P. Diddy, is widely recognized for his role in launching the careers of major artists like Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans, Usher, and the Notorious B.I.G. However, federal prosecutors allege that beneath his public success, Combs led a double life—using his influence, wealth, and control to exploit women for sexual purposes.

He has been held in a Brooklyn detention facility since September and faces the possibility of decades in prison if convicted on all counts.