Sean "Diddy" Combs formally rejected a plea offer from the US government Thursday, opting instead to proceed toward a federal sex trafficking trial scheduled to begin next week. Combs appeared in court and told Judge Arun Subramanian he declined the deal.
The 55-year-old faces charges including sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to the allegations, which claim he coerced women into sexual acts. If convicted, Combs could face a prison sentence potentially lasting the remainder of his life.
Jury selection is set to commence Monday in the long-anticipated trial in New York. Prosecutors and the defense team plan to screen up to 150 potential jurors to find an impartial panel despite extensive media coverage of the case. Coverage by outlets including ABC7 has kept public attention on the case.
At a recent hearing, defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo previewed the strategy, arguing that Combs engaged in a "swinger" lifestyle. Agnifilo stated that while some might find the behavior inappropriate, it does not constitute criminal conduct.
The trial is expected to last eight to 10 weeks, with opening statements scheduled for May 12. Witnesses are expected to include Combs' former partner, Cassandra Ventura.
Ventura sued Combs in November 2023, alleging rape and abuse during their relationship. She settled the lawsuit a day later. Surveillance footage showing Combs assaulting Ventura in a hotel lobby was later broadcast and has been ruled admissible evidence for the trial by Judge Subramanian.
Combs has been jailed in Brooklyn since his arrest in September. He has been granted permission to wear non-prison clothing during court proceedings.
Prosecutors leading the government's case include Emily Johnson, Madison Smyser, Mary Slavik, Meredith Foster, Mitzi Steiner, and Maurene Ryan Comey. Comey previously worked on the case against Ghislaine Maxwell.
Combs' defense team is led by Marc Agnifilo. Other lawyers include Teny Geragos, Alexandra Shapiro, and Brian Steel, who previously represented rapper Young Thug. A Lawyer Freed Young Thug. Now He’s Defending Diddy
Following the indictment, Agnifilo issued a statement calling the prosecution unjust.