During a hearing on Thursday at the federal court in Manhattan, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, 55, affirmed his decision to reject the prosecutors’ plea bargain offer, thus allowing his sexual trafficking trial to proceed as planned.
The American rapper and music entrepreneur Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is preparing for a trial next week after turning down a plea bargain in a federal sexual trafficking case that carries the possibility of a life sentence if he is found guilty.
Wearing beige prison attire, Combs responded affirmatively when U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian inquired whether he had considered and rejected the offer.
“Yes, I did,” Combs confirmed.
Prosecutor Maurene Comey from the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s office commented, “if convicted at trial, Combs risk more serious penalties than if he had accepted the plea deal,” although she did not provide any specifics regarding the terms of the offer.
Another prosecutor, Madison Smyser, had previously disclosed that Combs opted against the plea offer during a hearing the week before.
The prosecution claims that Combs allegedly exploited his business success to pressure women into engaging in extended drug-influenced sexual encounters with male sex workers, which they described as “Freak Offs,” over a 20-year period.
He has pleaded not guilty to all five charges, which include racketeering conspiracy and sexual trafficking.
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Defense attorneys assert that the interactions were consensual and characterized Combs’ behaviour as part of a “swingers” lifestyle that he shared with his long-term partners.
Jury selection commenced on Monday, involving prospective jurors filling out questionnaires related to their awareness of the case.
Those who pass the preliminary assessment will return to the courthouse on May 5 for direct questioning.
Opening statements are anticipated to begin on May 12, with the trial expected to extend for a minimum of eight weeks.
Once celebrated for his influence on American hip-hop and for launching artists such as Notorious B.I.G. and Mary J. Blige, Combs’ reputation has taken a significant hit due to numerous civil lawsuits and his criminal indictment in September 2024.
Puff Daddy has denied all accusations placed against him.
