Didi’s courtroom sketches went viral.

I saw a tweet that fascinated me: why can’t we have cameras in the courtroom in 2024, right?

Well, federal cases prohibit cameras in courtrooms, and to be honest, for good reason.

In Didi’s case, it’s a perfect example of why courtroom sketches have been preferred over cameras since the O.J. trials decades ago.

One reason is to protect the jury’s identity. Another is to control what the public knows, as federal authorities often only release information they deem appropriate. With the kind of powerful people Didi has allegedly blackmailed, a leak of sensitive information could lead to someone dangerous walking free.

So, what really happened in that courtroom that day?

Didi’s first court appearance goes viral.

Just a year ago, Didi was handed the key to New York City by Mayor Adams. Today, that same celebrity is being interrogated in that very city.

Didi’s first court appearance followed his arrest on September 12, 2024, in the lobby of the Park Hyatt Hotel in Manhattan.

Roughly 24 hours after being taken away in handcuffs, the indictment was made public, revealing the extensive list of charges against him.

On the day of the hearing, a massive crowd gathered outside the courthouse.

Among them were media representatives and fans eager to catch a glimpse of the Bad Boy Records mogul. However, his sons—Justin, Christian, and Quincy Combs—were there to support their father

.

— “Do you have anything to say about your father?”
— “Would you like to comment on the situation?”

Despite persistent questions from reporters and cameras pointed directly at them, the young men remained calm and kept walking. One thing was certain: they were there to support their family and were not going to engage with slander or accusations against Didi.

Notably absent were Didi’s daughters. Journalists found this understandable, as they are teenagers, and it was unlikely they would make such a public appearance.

Meanwhile, inside the courtroom, Didi’s lawyer pleaded not guilty to the charges, which included sex trafficking, organized crime, conspiracy, and transportation for prostitution.

Prosecutors argued that Didi and his team were involved in kidnappings, arson, bribery, forced labor, and that he maintained an arsenal of firearms ready for use.

On the other hand, Marc Agnifilo, Didi’s lawyer, claimed in court that the sex trafficking allegations involving Didi’s ex, Cassie Ventura, were nothing more than consensual activities spanning a decade.

The denial of bail

The defense requested bail. However, prosecutors quickly opposed the request. One prosecutor, Emily A. Johnson, stated that Didi was a known serial abuser and obstructer, willing to use his wealth to escape the situation.

Emily also pointed out that during a search of Didi’s Manhattan hotel room, authorities found a pink powdery substance suspected to be a drug.

The prosecution’s arguments persuaded Judge Robin F. Tarnovsky, who ultimately denied bail to the celebrity.

The judge cited Didi’s history of substance abuse and anger issues as reasons for the denial.

For Marc Agnifilo, this loss wasn’t final. Outside the courthouse, the attorney reiterated Didi’s innocence and suggested he would appeal the bail decision.

In a press statement, he told reporters:
— “Mr. Combs is a fighter. He will fight this to the end. He is innocent.”