Prosecutors described Combs’ request to reveal the identities of his accusers as an attempt to “hijack the government’s case” and gain leverage in defending against numerous civil lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct. They argued that disclosing these names could risk witness safety and might lead to potential tampering or intimidation, stating, “This improper request should be denied in its entirety.”
In a separate ruling that same week, U.S. District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil granted Combs’ request to identify a woman who had filed a civil lawsuit against him for alleged rape in 2004. Judge Vyskocil justified her decision by citing both Combs’ right to investigate the accuser’s credibility and the public’s interest in transparency within court proceedings.
Defense Accuses Government of Leaks and Requests Hearing
Combs’ attorneys, Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos, contend that since March, the government has been “strategically leaking confidential grand jury information, including the 2016 Intercontinental videotape.” They argue that these leaks are intended to bias the public and potential jurors, depriving Combs of a fair trial. As a result, the defense has asked for a hearing to look into the alleged misconduct and to require the government to release related communications.
