Sean "Diddy" Combs has formally declined a last-minute plea deal ahead of his federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial, which is set to commence with jury selection on May 5, 2025.
The plea offer, whose specific terms were not disclosed, would have resulted in a reduced prison sentence compared to the potential life sentence he now faces if convicted.
During a pre-trial hearing in New York, Combs confirmed his decision to reject the deal when questioned by Judge Arun Subramanian.
Combs' attorney, Marc Agnifilo, stated that he and his client had discussed the agreement and "came to a decision" together. The judge then asked Combs to stand and confirm if he had read the offer. He replied: "I have, your honour."
The judge then asked if he had "rejected the plea offer," and he confirmed: "Yes I did, your honour."
The trial will address multiple serious charges, including racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
Prosecutors allege that Combs used his music empire, Bad Boy Records, as a front for a criminal enterprise that exploited women over two decades.
The indictment includes claims of orchestrated "freak-off" parties involving drug-fueled sexual activities, with accusations of coercion, abuse, and intimidation to silence victims.
Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges and maintains that the activities were consensual.
He has been held without bail since his arrest in September 2024, with the court citing concerns over potential witness tampering. Despite multiple bail requests, including a proposed $50 million bond with strict conditions, all have been denied.
The judge emphasized that all lawyers involved must "adhere to their obligations under the rules of professional conduct" and warned of "appropriate action" for any breaches that could impair the defendant's right to a fair trial.
In preparation for the trial, the judge approved a request allowing Combs to wear civilian clothing instead of prison attire. He is permitted to have up to five button-down shirts, five pairs of pants, five sweaters, five pairs of socks, and two pairs of shoes without laces for court appearances.
The trial is expected to be lengthy, with opening statements scheduled for May 12, 2025.
Key witnesses may include Combs' ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, who has previously accused him of abuse.
Prosecutors have indicated that they may present surveillance footage from 2016 allegedly showing Combs assaulting Ventura.
Additionally, more than a dozen civil lawsuits have been filed against Combs, with some plaintiffs represented by attorney Tony Buzbee, who claims to represent over 120 clients alleging misconduct by Combs and his associates.
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