Sean “Diddy” Combs confronted a authorized setback on Friday when Decide Arun Subramanian denied his authorized group’s request for a gag order aimed toward stopping authorities officers from leaking data to the media. The ruling comes as Combs stays in custody on intercourse trafficking and racketeering costs.
In response to court docket paperwork obtained by Thirsty for Information, Subramanian dominated that whereas there was no formal discovering of wrongdoing, it was important to make sure each events adopted authorized procedures to guard the integrity of the trial.
“To be clear, this order isn’t based mostly on a discovering that there was any wrongdoing so far, because the Courtroom has made no findings at this juncture referring to defendant’s allegations that data associated to the case has been leaked,” Subramanian wrote. “The purpose of this order is to assist make sure that nothing occurs any longer that might intervene with a good trial.”
The ruling follows accusations by Combs’ authorized group that authorities brokers leaked safety footage of him abusing ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. His attorneys claimed the footage was launched to CNN earlier this yr, with the intention of tarnishing Combs’ public picture and compromising his potential to mount a good protection.
“Quite than utilizing the videotape as trial proof, alongside different proof that offers it context and that means, the brokers misused it in essentially the most prejudicial and damaging manner attainable,” the court docket submitting said.
Combs’ group additional argued that the leak was meant to inflict reputational injury, making it almost inconceivable for the rapper to defend himself towards the allegations.
Regardless of denying the gag order, Decide Subramanian burdened the significance of each federal brokers and Combs’ group adhering to the foundations surrounding grand jury proceedings. His ruling goals to protect the equity of the trial, stopping additional media leaks that would compromise the authorized course of.
“The Courtroom’s precedence is guaranteeing a good trial,” the decide emphasised. “From this level ahead, nothing ought to intervene with reaching that aim.”
As of now, representatives for Sean Combs haven’t commented on the decide’s ruling or the accusations concerning the leaked footage.
Do you assume Diddy’s authorized group has a sound case towards the leaks, or is that this simply a part of the high-profile nature of the trial? Share your ideas within the feedback!