This is the reason why the Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ trial will not be televised
Sean “Diddy” Combs will stand trial this week, but his courtcase differs from other high-profile celebrity trials and will not be shown on television.
Rapper Sean Combs, better known as P Diddy, Puff Daddy, or just Diddy, is set to begin trial on Monday, May 5 on serious charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and prostitution. While there will be millions of people interested to know how this trial pans out, they’ll have to wait to read about it in the news because watching it live on television is not an option.
Unlike other high-profile celebrity court cases, like Johnny Depp’s or O.J. Simpson’s, Diddy’s trial will not be broadcast live.
Why Diddy’s trial will be more private
Because the charges against Diddy are federal criminal charges, “electronic media”, including cameras, in the courtroom are prohibited, and his trial cannot be televised. That’s thanks to the Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 53 (passed in 1946), which bans photographs and broadcasting from federal criminal courtrooms.
Diddy’s trial will take place in downtown Manhattan beginning on May 5 with the jury selection, at the same time the Met Gala will take place - an event he used to attend previously. He’s being charged with two counts of sex trafficking, two counts of transportation or to engage in prostitution, and one count of racketeering.
Prosecutors say that Combs used intimidation, drugs, and coercion to involve victims, including sex workers, in orchestrated sex acts referred to as “freak offs.” Some federal prosecutors claim to have video of some days-long sex performances. The case is being prosecuted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Statute (RICO) laws, which are typically used to target organized criminal enterprises.
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