A federal judge rejected Sean "Diddy" Combs ’ attempt to silence all potential witnesses in his criminal sex trafficking case on Friday, saying his concerns do not outweigh an alleged victim’s right to free speech. Combs’ team moved for a gag order to stop potential witnesses and their attorneys from speaking publicly after more than a dozen civil lawsuits were filed alleging sexual assault and following media interviews one witness gave after he appeared before the grand jury. Judge Arun Subramanian said he is balancing Combs’ right to a fair trial with the First Amendment rights of his alleged victims.
"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," Judge Subramanian wrote in the order. The order comes as Combs’ legal team filed a new request seeking release from jail based on new information, they argue, that undercuts the prosecution’s allegations that Combs forced women and others to engage in drug-fueled, days-long sex acts.
Combs has pleaded not guilty to the charges and has said the allegations in the civil lawsuits, including abuse of minors, are "absolutely false." Combs was twice denied bail, first by the magistrate judge who he appeared before, and again by the trial judge assigned the case. That .
