American music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has turned down a plea deal from federal prosecutors in his ongoing s3x trafficking case, setting the stage for his trial to begin next week
During a court appearance on Thursday, May 1, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian asked, “Have you rejected the government’s offer?”
“Yes, your honor,” Combs responded.
The 55-year-old producer and rapper is set to go on trial starting Monday, with jury selection kicking off proceedings. He faces serious charges including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and prostitution. Prosecutors allege that Combs orchestrated extended sexual encounters—referred to as “freak-offs”—by coercing women as part of a broader criminal enterprise.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey revealed that the plea deal would have significantly reduced Combs’ potential prison time. A conviction at trial, however, could mean a life sentence.
Combs has maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to all charges. His attorney, Marc Agnifilo, confirmed that after reviewing the offer, Combs and his legal team opted to proceed to trial.
Attorney Teny Geragos, also part of Combs’ defense, raised concerns during the hearing about public statements made by attorney Lisa Bloom—who represents at least two of Combs’ civil accusers—in a recent documentary, calling her conduct into question.
Combs was arrested last year in connection to a sweeping federal indictment filed in September and expanded in subsequent months. Prosecutors claim he led a criminal network that enabled years of sexual, physical, emotional, and verbal abuse.
Trial proceedings will begin in earnest on May 5 with jury selection, and opening statements are scheduled for May 12. Prosecutors plan to call up to 20 witnesses beyond the three principal alleged victims to testify about Combs’ behavior.
If convicted, Combs could face decades behind bars. The racketeering charge alone could lead to a life sentence, while the sex trafficking count carries a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and could also result in life imprisonment.
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