Sean Diddy Rejects Plea Deal, Opts for Trial in Sex Trafficking Charge

Music mogul, Sean “Diddy” Combs has rejected a plea deal in a federal sex trafficking case, paving the way for a highly publicized trial that could result in a life sentence if he is convicted.

The 55-year-old rapper and entrepreneur appeared in Manhattan federal court on Thursday, dressed in tan jail garb, and confirmed to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian that he had turned down the prosecution’s offer.

The plea deal would have likely resulted in a reduced sentence for Combs, but the exact terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Maurene Comey, a prosecutor from the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s office, warned that Combs faces the possibility of a more severe sentence if convicted at trial than he would have had he accepted the plea deal.

The case against Combs alleges that he used his business empire to coerce women into participating in prolonged, drug-fueled sexual acts with male sex workers, which the prosecution has termed “Freak Offs,” over a span of twenty years. Combs has pleaded not guilty to all five criminal charges, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.

Combs’ defense team, led by high-powered attorney, argues that the acts were consensual and describes Combs’ conduct as part of a “swingers” lifestyle shared between him and his long-time partners.

However, the prosecution paints a different picture, alleging that Combs used his power and influence to exploit and manipulate women for his own sexual gratification.

The trial, which is expected to last at least eight weeks, will begin with jury selection on Monday. Prospective jurors will complete questionnaires about their knowledge of the case, and those who advance past the initial screening will return to court on May 5 for in-person questioning. Opening arguments are expected to commence on May 12.

Combs’ reputation has been severely damaged by dozens of civil lawsuits and his September 2024 criminal indictment. Once hailed as a pioneer in American hip-hop, launching the careers of stars like Notorious B.I.G. and Mary J. Blige, Combs’ empire has been rocked by allegations of sex trafficking, abuse, and exploitation.

As the trial approaches, Combs’ fans and supporters are left wondering how the music mogul’s life and career will be affected by the outcome. Will he be able to overcome the mounting evidence against him, or will he become the latest high-profile figure to fall from grace?