A federal judge has denied Sean “Diddy” Combs’ request for a gag order against his victims and their lawyers in his ongoing racketeering and sex trafficking case. Combs’ defence team argued that public statements made by victims and their legal teams were damaging his chance at a fair trial, but Judge Arun Subramanian rejected this, deeming the request “unprecedented” and a threat to free speech.

Combs, who is facing serious charges that could lead to a life sentence, had asked for a broad gag order, claiming that the allegations in the media were unfairly tarnishing his character. However, Judge Subramanian ruled that the gag order would infringe on the First Amendment and stifle individuals’ rights to speak freely, particularly those who may not be directly involved in the case. The judge acknowledged Combs’ constitutional right to a fair trial but emphasised that this must be balanced against the victims’ right to freedom of expression. 

While the judge had already implemented some measures to control public statements, he declined to issue a sweeping gag order, calling it an extreme and unnecessary step. He also noted that Combs could take action in individual civil cases if lawyers acted improperly.