Diddy rejects plea deal in sex trafficking case
“Mr. Combs is not guilty of the charges brought against him and looks forward to clearing his name in court,” his attorney said in a statement.
Music mogul Sean Diddy” Combs has rejected a plea deal in his high-profile federal sex trafficking and racketeering case, opting instead to face trial where he could be sentenced to life in prison if convicted.
The Los Angeles Times reports that during a court hearing on May 1, Combs, 55, confirmed to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian that he had reviewed and declined the prosecution’s offer, which reportedly would have reduced his sentence significantly in exchange for a guilty plea.
The decision clears the way for the trial to begin as scheduled, with jury selection slated for May 5 and opening arguments expected on May 12.
Combs faces five serious federal charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transporting individuals across state lines for the purpose of prostitution.
Prosecutors allege that over a span of two decades, Combs used his label, Bad Boy Records, as the hub of a criminal enterprise that exploited young women through coercion, drugs, and manipulation.
According to court documents, the investigation centers around alleged events at so-called "freak-off" parties, where Combs is accused of plying women with narcotics and alcohol before subjecting them to sexual abuse.
Authorities say these gatherings were not isolated incidents but part of a long-standing pattern of predatory behavior.
The trial is expected to feature testimony from several key witnesses, including Combs’ former partner Cassie Ventura, who previously filed a civil lawsuit accusing him of rape, physical abuse, and human trafficking.
Although that case was settled out of court, her testimony could play a pivotal role in the criminal proceedings.
Combs has been held without bail at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center since his dramatic arrest in September 2024, which followed a series of federal raids on his properties in Los Angeles and Miami.
Authorities reportedly uncovered illegal firearms, large quantities of narcotics, and digital evidence linked to the alleged trafficking ring.
His legal team maintains that the allegations stem from a consensual adult "swingers lifestyle" and argue that there is no criminal enterprise or coercion involved.
"Mr. Combs is not guilty of the charges brought against him and looks forward to clearing his name in court," his attorney said in a statement.
In addition to the criminal case, Combs is facing multiple civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault and misconduct dating back to the early 2000s.
He has consistently denied all allegations.
The upcoming trial is expected to last approximately eight weeks and is likely to attract widespread media attention, as it marks one of the most significant legal battles involving a major figure in the music industry.