Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has gag order appeal rejected
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is facing further legal worries after his gag order appeal, which involved him attempting to silence potential witnesses in his criminal sex trafficking case, was rejected. Had his move been successful, the Bad Boy boss would have been able to stop both witnesses and attorneys from speaking publicly amid over a dozen sexual assault lawsuits filed against him.
Judge Arun Subramanian ruled that Diddy’s concerns didn’t overpower an alleged victim’s right to free speech, and that he’s balancing the rapper’s right to a fair trial with the First Amendment rights of his alleged victims.
“Combs’ authorities don’t support a gag order applicable not only to trial participants but also to any alleged victim and their lawyer,” the judge wrote in his decision, adding that gag orders are often a “last resort” legal remedy. “Less restrictive alternatives must be considered and rejected before imposing a restraint on speech.”
He continued, “Not all alleged victims will be participants in this case, and a blanket restriction on their speech will silence individuals who may never have anything to do with the proceedings here. And in any event, less restrictive alternatives must be considered and rejected before imposing a restraint on speech.”
The order arrives following Diddy’s legal team filing a request for his freedom based on new information that they believe diminishes allegations that he forced women and others to engage in drug-fueled, days-long sex acts. Diddy pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and stated that the lawsuit allegations were “absolutely false.”
Diddy has been denied bail on two occasions by the magistrate judge and the trial judge assigned to the case. The judge later recused himself and the case was transferred to Judge Subramanian, who was responsible for issuing the latest order.
Prosecutors have argued Diddy is a physical threat to witnesses and victims, and that he engaged in witness tampering by being in contact with individuals connected to the case.
Diddy’s lawyers have argued that the conditions at the Metropolitan Detention Center, where the hip-hop mogul is currently jailed, are making it difficult to prepare for trial, claiming guards confiscated his pens.