American music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has turned down a plea deal offered by U.S. federal prosecutors in his ongoing sex trafficking case, choosing instead to proceed to trial where he faces multiple serious charges.
During a court appearance on Thursday, Judge Arun Subramanian directly asked Combs whether he was rejecting the proposed plea agreement, to which the rapper and entrepreneur replied, “Yes, I do, Your Honour.”
The plea deal could have significantly reduced Combs’ potential prison sentence. According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey, the agreement would have spared him a possible life sentence if found guilty on all charges, which include racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and prostitution. The charges allege that Combs coerced women into prolonged sexual encounters, reportedly referring to them as “freak-offs.”
Combs, dressed in a beige jail uniform, appeared composed in court, sharing a smile and fist bump with his defense attorney, Teny Geragos. During the brief proceedings, Geragos raised concerns over recent public remarks made by attorney Lisa Bloom — who represents two of Combs’ civil accusers — in a documentary, suggesting they could prejudice the case.
“We’re concerned with her behaviour here,” Geragos told the court.
Judge Subramanian assured the court he would remind all legal representatives and witnesses of their obligations to uphold professional conduct and avoid statements that could jeopardize the fairness of the trial.
Jury selection is set to begin on Monday, marking a critical moment in one of the most high-profile legal battles currently unfolding in the U.S. entertainment industry.
