Sean “Diddy” Combs, the embattled American rapper and music mogul, decisively rejected a plea deal offered by federal prosecutors on Thursday, May 1, 2025, setting the stage for a high-stakes trial starting Monday with jury selection. Appearing before U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian in Manhattan federal court, Combs confirmed his decision, stating, “Yes, I do, Your Honour,” when asked if he was declining the government’s offer. The plea deal, which could have significantly reduced his prison time, was dismissed in favor of facing charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution, which could lead to a life sentence if he is convicted on all counts.
The charges stem from a sprawling indictment first filed in September 2024, followed by superseding indictments, alleging that Combs led a criminal enterprise through his business empire, including Bad Boy Entertainment, to coerce women into prolonged, drug-fueled sexual encounters dubbed “freak-offs.” Prosecutors claim these acts, spanning from 2004 to 2024, involved threats, violence, and intimidation, with Combs using recordings as “collateral” to silence victims. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey emphasized that a guilty plea would have mitigated the severe sentencing exposure—potentially decades in prison—compared to a trial conviction. Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to all five counts, maintaining that the encounters were consensual and reflective of a “swinger” lifestyle.
In court, Combs appeared in a beige jail uniform, exuding confidence as he smiled, hugged his legal team, and fist-bumped attorney Teny Geragos. Geragos raised concerns about public statements made by Los Angeles-based attorney Lisa Bloom, who represents civil accusers, including Dawn Richard and a John Doe, in a documentary. “We’re concerned with her behaviour here,” Geragos stated, citing potential prejudice to Combs’ fair trial rights. Judge Subramanian responded by pledging to remind all counsel and witnesses to adhere to professional conduct rules, ensuring no statements compromise the trial’s integrity.
The trial, set to begin jury selection on May 5 and opening statements on May 12, is expected to last eight to ten weeks, drawing intense public scrutiny. Federal prosecutors have lined up as many as 20 witnesses, beyond the three main alleged victims, to testify about Combs’ conduct. The case was sparked by a 2023 lawsuit from ex-girlfriend Casandra Ventura (Cassie), settled swiftly but followed by dozens of civil suits alleging sexual misconduct, which Combs denies. A 2016 hotel surveillance video showing Combs assaulting Ventura, admitted as evidence, is poised to be a focal point. As Combs, held without bail since his September 2024 arrest, faces this legal battle, his once-storied legacy as a hip-hop pioneer who elevated artists like Notorious B.I.G. and Mary J. Blige hangs in the balance.
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