Diddy's appearance sparks speculation during Court hearing

Sean "Diddy" Combs, 55, appeared "noticeably thinner" during a court hearing on December 18 in New York, according to Law & Crime reporter Elizabeth Millner. The rapper and music mogul, currently detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn, has been in custody since his September arrest on sex trafficking and racketeering charges. Combs, who is also facing over 20 civil lawsuits involving allegations of sexual misconduct, has consistently maintained his innocence.

Millner noted the stark difference in Combs' appearance compared to earlier this year, saying, "From that video, I think that was obtained by Daily Mail back in September, of Diddy playing hacky sack in Central Park to now, he appeared just astonishingly thinner."

She added that this change is not surprising given his time in federal detention, which contrasts sharply with his previous luxury lifestyle. Observers also remarked on his grayer appearance, with Millner stating, "He appeared very noticeably thinner, and maybe being locked up in detention is starting to wear on him."

Combs entered the courtroom wearing his tan inmate uniform, the same attire he has worn to previous hearings. He greeted his attorneys, Anthony Rico and Alexander Shapiro, with hugs and scanned the room to locate his sons. His sons, Justin Combs, 30, and Christian "King" Combs, 26, were present to support him during the hearing. Cameras are prohibited in the courtroom for this trial, but courtroom sketches have captured the rapper's visibly altered appearance since October.

Diddy faces growing legal challenges

During the hearing, prosecutors informed Judge Arun Subramanian that they plan to provide all discovery materials by the end of the year. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson mentioned that while details of their ongoing investigation or potential superseding indictments could not be disclosed, they are mindful of the trial date. A superseding indictment could amend the original charges or add new ones based on fresh evidence.

Combs' legal team has faced challenges beyond the courtroom. Attorney Teny Geragos reiterated to Newsweek on December 9 that Combs "has full confidence in the facts and the integrity of the judicial process," adding that "the truth will prevail: that Mr. Combs never sexually assaulted or trafficked anyone-man or woman, adult or minor." Meanwhile, Tony Buzbee, representing 120 alleged victims, vowed not to be intimidated by external pressures, stating, "We will not be bullied or intimidated."