Popular United States rapper and music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs will be standing trial next week after a plea deal in a federal sex trafficking case that could result in a life sentence if he is convicted.
At a hearing which took place on Thursday in Manhattan federal court, Combs, 55, confirmed that he had turned down prosecutors’ offer of plea deal, a decision that opens ground for the trial to proceed as scheduled.
Putting on tan jail garb, Combs clearly answered when U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian asked if he had reviewed and rejected the deal.
“Yes I did,” Combs said.
Maurene Comey, a prosecutor from the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s office, stated, “Combs faces the possibility of a more severe sentence if convicted at trial than he would have had he accepted the plea deal,” though she offered no further details about the proposed agreement.
Madison Smyser, another prosecutor, had earlier revealed that Combs had declined the offer during a hearing the previous week.
According to the prosecution, Combs allegedly used his business empire to force women into participating in prolonged, drug-fuelled sexual acts with male sex workers, which they termed “Freak Offs,” over a span of twenty years.
He has pleaded not guilty to all five criminal charges, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.
Defence lawyers argue the acts were consensual and described Combs’ conduct as part of a “swingers” lifestyle shared between him and his long-time partners.
Jury selection began Monday, with prospective jurors completing questionnaires about their knowledge of the case.
Those advancing past the initial screening will return to court on 5 May for in-person questioning. Opening arguments are expected to commence on 12 May, with the trial projected to last at least eight weeks.
Once hailed for shaping American hip-hop and launching stars like Notorious B.I.G. and Mary J. Blige, Combs’ reputation has been severely damaged by dozens of civil lawsuits and his September 2024 criminal indictment.
He denied all the allegations.
