The feds simply made it crystal clear — a few of Sean Diddy Combs’ accusers gained’t be testifying beneath their actual names — in the event that they may help it.
Prosecutors requested Choose Arun Subramanian to let three of the 4 anticipated victims within the upcoming trial testify utilizing pseudonyms.
They are saying it’s the one solution to forestall these girls from being dragged by means of the mud by the press, stalked by the general public and humiliated in real-time whereas recounting graphic allegations of abuse.
They pointed to comparable protections granted in different high-profile instances — like these involving Ghislaine Maxwell, R. Kelly, and NXIVM’s Keith Raniere.
Sufferer-1, broadly believed to be Diddy’s ex, Cassie Enterprise, is ok utilizing her identify. Nevertheless, Sufferer 2, Sufferer 3, and Sufferer 4 need their identities saved out of public view.
The Authorities needs the victims to have the ability to use pseudonyms throughout testimony, blocking the protection from asking for figuring out particulars and sealing courtroom displays that comprise their names.
Prosecutors emphasised that Diddy already is aware of who the ladies are. So does the jury. It’s the general public — and the media — who gained’t.
That’s as a result of, in keeping with the Authorities, the case has grow to be a spectacle.
Protection has been relentless since Diddy was indicted in March of 2024 on intercourse trafficking, racketeering, and prostitution-related expenses. The highlight has zeroed in on the accusers.
And prosecutors say that’s precisely the type of consideration that makes victims go silent. They’re asking the courtroom to keep away from piling on.
The fallout might comply with them eternally if their actual names had been linked to what prosecutors describe as “inflammatory” particulars.
Prosecutors additionally say these girls have expressed fears about harassment, skilled retaliation and shedding their jobs. One already made her issues identified about public backlash affecting her future.
Whereas some victims could have been named in information tales or lawsuits, the Authorities says that doesn’t matter.
“The selection of a sufferer to publicly focus on a criminal offense is just not analogous to being placed on the stand about it,” prosecutors argued. “In courtroom, the sufferer won’t be able to decide on how and to what stage of element she discusses the crime.”
In addition they warned that revealing identities might discourage different survivors from coming ahead — not simply on this case, however in future ones.
Paperwork proven in courtroom can be shared with jurors however redacted for the general public. And prosecutors are open to giving jurors a easy rationalization: that pseudonyms are getting used out of respect for privateness — to not punish the protection.
For now, it’s as much as Choose Subramanian to resolve whether or not these protections go into impact.
Diddy is charged with racketeering conspiracy, intercourse trafficking, and transporting people for prostitution. He has pleaded not responsible.
Jury choice will begin on Might 5, whereas opening statements in his trial are scheduled for Might 13.
