Diddy was shackled at the ankles as he makes first court appearance in prison clothes, claim reports

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Musician and producer Sean “Diddy” Combs is set for trial in May 2025 on charges of racketeering conspiracy and trafficking, with the potential for additional charges to be added. The trial date, confirmed during a federal court hearing in New York on Thursday, October 10, is set for May 5, 2025.

Combs, who pleaded not guilty, attended the hearing with family members. He appeared in court wearing a jail-issued khaki long-sleeve shirt and pants and was shackled at the ankles, according to a CNN court reporter.

Sean 'Diddy' Combs shares heartfelt moment with family in court

The 54-year-old rapper entered the Manhattan federal courthouse through a side door, accompanied by family members, including his mother and several children.

He greeted them with a broad smile and waved as a US Marshal escorted him into the courtroom, where his family took their seats in the second row.

As per CNN's report, he waved to them, blew a kiss to his mother, and one of his sons raised and flexed his arm, his bicep bulging as a possible display of strength.

He then hugged each of his attorneys, Rocky Mount Telegram reports. Combs appeared calm in court, leaning on his family’s support.

After the hearing, Sean 'Diddy' Combs' family exited the building hand in hand before entering a vehicle and departing. The artist, known for 'I'll Be Missing You,' is scheduled to return to court on December 18, according to the New York Post.

In a departure from the typical protocol for individuals facing charges, Combs was allowed to stay in the courtroom to have a brief conversation with his family after marshals cleared the room of the public and press, according to Marc Agnifilo, Combs' attorney.

Prosecutors consider additional charges against Sean 'Diddy' Combs as gag order discussions begin

At the hearing, Prosecutor Emily Johnson informed the judge that her office may introduce additional charges as the investigation progresses. Both parties discussed the potential implementation of a gag order to prevent communication with the media regarding the case, according to the New York Post.

Additionally, Johnson mentioned that evidence is being provided to Combs' legal team incrementally and highlighted that federal agents confiscated 96 electronic devices during the March raids at his residences in Los Angeles and Miami.

Subsequently, Agnifilo requested that the judge prevent Homeland Security agents from disclosing specifics of the case to the press. This move by Combs' lawyers came just one day after they accused the federal government of leaking a shocking video showing Combs attacking his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in a hotel hallway.

Johnson responded, labeling the motion "baseless," and stated that the request was “simply a means to dismiss a damning piece of evidence.”

Subramanian instructed both parties to negotiate the terms of a possible gag order for the case. The judge also inquired about Combs' incarceration conditions at the notorious Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where he is segregated from the general population and housed in the same unit as convicted cryptocurrency fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried.

“We are making a go of it at the MDC,” Agnifilo described the jail as "very responsive" to Combs' needs.

Afterward, Agnifilo informed reporters that Combs remains in "high spirits" while in jail, although he acknowledged that adapting to the meals has been challenging. “I think the food is probably the roughest part of it,” the lawyer stated.

Combs, 54, entered a not guilty plea to the charges and has been remanded without bail pending trial.