Sean "Diddy" Combs Rejects U.S. Government Plea Deal In Sex Trafficking Trial

Renowned American entertainer and entrepreneur, Sean “Diddy” Combs, declined a proposed guilty plea arrangement from the U.S. government on Thursday in relation to his federal criminal case.

Popularly known as P. Diddy, the music mogul could have potentially avoided a lengthy prison sentence by agreeing to the deal. However, when asked directly by Judge Arun Subramanian whether he was declining the prosecutors’ plea offer, Combs responded decisively, “Yes, I do, Your Honour.”

Combs is now expected to proceed to trial, which is scheduled to begin on Monday with the initiation of jury selection. The charges he faces include racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and prostitution. Prosecutors allege that he manipulated women into extended sexual sessions that he is said to have called “freak-offs.”

Maurene Comey, serving as Assistant U.S. Attorney, explained that had Combs accepted the plea deal, it could have considerably lessened the sentence he might receive. If found guilty on all counts, the result could be equivalent to a life imprisonment.

In his court appearance, Combs wore a beige detention outfit. He appeared composed, smiling, embracing his defense team, and sharing a fist bump with one of his lawyers, Teny Geragos.

During the brief proceedings, Geragos expressed concerns about public remarks made by Lisa Bloom, a Los Angeles-based attorney representing at least two of Combs’ accusers in related civil lawsuits. These statements appeared in a recent documentary tied to the case.

“We’re troubled by her conduct in this context,” Geragos told the court.

In response, Judge Subramanian assured that he would remind all legal representatives and witnesses to adhere to court protocol and professional conduct standards regarding public commentary. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that no prejudicial statements are made that could jeopardize Combs’ right to a fair trial.