20-05-2025
This Is Why Cameras Aren't Allowed In The Courtroom During Diddy's Trial
It seems like the entire world has been reading the multiple daily updates about the Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial, leading many to wonder why the case is not being streamed or televised.
The music mogul- who goes by Sean Combs, Puffy, Puff, Puff Daddy and P. Diddy- faces charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution as well as a slew of civil lawsuits alleging abuse, sexual assault, and drugging over a 20-year period. Combs has denied all allegations and has pleaded not guilty in court.
So far, we've already heard the testimony from the star witness- Diddy's ex-girlfriend of eleven years Cassie Ventura, who testified for nearly 20 hours over four days. Also appearing in court was singer Dawn Richard- who alleged that Diddy threatened her with violence and sexually assaulted her- and an escort Diddy allegedly paid for 'freak offs' called Daniel Phillip. That's just the beginning of the extensive list of famous names that could potentially be called to testify.
However, those following the case have had to rely on court reporters' records of what is being said as cameras, phones, and any other electronic recording devices are prohibited in U.S. federal courtrooms according to the Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 53, per the United States Courts' official website. The site reads, 'Except as otherwise provided by a statute or these rules, the court must not permit the taking of photographs in the courtroom during judicial proceedings or the broadcasting of judicial proceedings from the courtroom.' Therefore, Combs's trial will not be televised or streamed anywhere online.
So far, courtroom sketches have been the only way for the public to get a glimpse of the drama happening inside the courtroom.
However, some courtroom recordings for high-interest proceedings are allowed with the approval of a judge. Other celebrity-centred cases over the years have allowed cameras into the courtroom- including O.J. Simpson's murder trial, Gwyneth Paltrow's ski crash trial, the Menendez brothers' murder trial, and Johnny Depp versus Amber Heard. This was because in the case of O.J. Simpson and the Menendez brothers, they were permitted to be televised due to approval from the judges presiding over the cases. As for Heard and Depp, their trial took place in Virginia and Gwyneth's took place in Utah, and both were civil cases.
Sarah O'Byrne has worked for Bauer Media since May 2023. She writes for Grazia, heat, Closer, Bella and Yours.
