Diddy rejects plea deal, faces life sentence in federal sex trafficking trial
Music industry icon Sean "Diddy" Combs has officially declined a plea deal offered by federal prosecutors, setting the stage for a high-profile criminal trial next week.The 55-year-old Combs appeared in Manhattan federal court on Thursday, where Judge Arun Subramanian confirmed with him that he had reviewed and rejected the deal. "Yes, I did," Combs replied when questioned by the judge. He appeared in court wearing a tan jail uniform.advertisementAccording to Reuters, Combs is confronting five serious federal charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. If convicted on all counts, he could face a life sentence. He has maintained his innocence and entered a not-guilty plea earlier in the proceedings.
At the hearing, Assistant US Attorney Maurene Comey stated that Combs had been warned of the potential for a harsher sentence if found guilty at trial than if he had accepted the government's plea offer. Details of the offer, however, were not disclosed in court.Prosecutors allege that Combs exploited his entertainment business to orchestrate a disturbing scheme spanning over 20 years. He allegedly pressured women into drug-fueled sex acts involving male sex workers, in events referred to as 'Freak Offs.'His legal team contends that the sexual encounters were consensual, describing them as part of a private swinger lifestyle involving Combs and his romantic partners.advertisementJury Selection and Trial TimelineProspective jurors in New York began screening this week through questionnaires to determine any pre-existing bias due to widespread media attention. Selected candidates will return for in-person questioning starting May 5. Opening statements are expected to occur on May 12, with the trial projected to last approximately two months.Once celebrated for transforming hip-hop and launching the careers of artists like Notorious B.I.G. and Mary J. Blige, Combs' image has sharply declined.Since 2023, he has been named in multiple civil suits alleging sexual misconduct. His criminal indictment was handed down in September 2024. Combs continues to deny all allegations.(With inputs from Reuters)Also Read: Who is David Corenswet? Meet the actor playing the new SupermanMust Watch
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