Sean “Diddy” Combs confirmed during a hearing on Thursday that he has rejected a plea deal from federal prosecutors related to his ongoing sex trafficking case, which is set for trial next week. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian asked Combs directly if he had rejected the offer, to which he responded affirmatively. Combs, who was dressed casually and appeared confident, has pleaded not guilty to serious charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering.
Combs’ defense attorney, Marc Agnifilo, indicated that the decision to reject the plea arrangement was made collaboratively between Combs and the legal team, noting that the deal would have offered a lighter sentence if convicted. The upcoming trial starts with jury selection on Monday, and Judge Subramanian emphasized the need for privacy during the questioning of potential jurors, particularly due to the sensitive nature of the case.
The court aims to assemble a jury of 12 members plus 6 alternates within three days, calling in 50 jurors daily. Concerns have been raised by Combs’ legal team about media influence on jury candidness, leading to additional questions in juror surveys.
The case has drawn considerable attention, especially following previous lawsuits filed against Combs, involving accusations from former associates including Dawn Richard and Cassie Ventura. Ventura has alleged years of abuse and coercion related to degrading sexual activities, while Richard’s pending lawsuit includes similar claims. Combs has vehemently denied all allegations and continues to face not only the criminal charges but also civil suits filed by multiple individuals.
As the trial approaches, disputes are escalating over public statements from attorneys involved, with Combs’ team requesting limitations on public commentary, which has faced pushback from plaintiffs’ representatives.
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