New Judge Assigned to Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs' Federal Criminal Sex Trafficking Case

The federal criminal proceedings involving Sean "Diddy" Combs, centered on sex trafficking allegations, have seen a change in judicial oversight. A recent court docket entry revealed the reassignment of the case to Judge Arun Subramanian. President Joe Biden nominated Subramanian in 2022, with him assuming his judicial role in 2023. Prior to his judgeship, Subramanian carved a niche in civil litigation of intricate cases at Susman Godfrey, a prestigious law firm. His legal journey also includes clerking for Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The rationale behind this judicial reassignment remains undisclosed. Inquiries for comments have been made to the court, Combs' legal representatives, and the US attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York. Initially, Judge Andrew Carter, an Obama-era appointee from 2011, presided over Combs' case. Judge Carter denied Combs bail, mandating his detention pending trial. He concluded a protracted hearing by expressing concerns over the allegations of witness intimidation and violence, stating no bail conditions would suffice to ensure safety. Combs has since appealed this decision. Currently, he is held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, awaiting his trial. His arrest came earlier this month, with charges including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and facilitating prostitution. Combs has entered a plea of not guilty. Elizabeth Wagmeister from CNN contributed insights to this report.