Disgraced music mogul, Sean “Diddy” Combs has rejected a plea deal in his ongoing federal sex trafficking and racketeering case, a federal prosecutor revealed during a hearing in New York on Friday.
Prosecutor Madison Smyser disclosed the plea offer during the pre-trial hearing but did not elaborate on the terms of the proposed deal. Combs, who faces five federal charges, has pleaded not guilty to all counts.
The charges stem from allegations that the rapper and producer used violence, intimidation, and coercion to force women into what have been described as “Freak Offs”—s£x parties involving non-consensual acts.
In a significant blow to Combs’ legal defense, Judge Arun Subramanian ruled against excluding surveillance footage from a 2016 hotel incident, where Combs is seen physically assaulting his then-girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura.
Of the ruling on the video, Mundaca says, “It’s a huge win for the prosecution, and a tough loss for the defense. I can’t see how any jury member will be able to view that video and think favorably of Sean Combs. It’s going to be hard to watch. Visuals are so powerful at trial, they’re almost irreplaceable.”
Combs’ legal team had previously argued the video had been altered and should not be admissible. However, the judge ruled it would be shown to the jury during the trial.
The disgraced rapper has publicly apologised for the violent ass@ult shown in the video. “My behavior on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in this video,” he said, acknowledging he had sought therapy and rehab following the incident. “I’m not asking for forgiveness. I am truly sorry.”
Cassie Ventura, who recently settled a separate civil lawsuit against Combs, is expected to testify in person. Jury selection is set for May 5, with opening statements scheduled for May 12. The trial is expected to run for up to 10 weeks.
Combs’ trial is set to begin May 5. He has pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, and has denied all other allegations of misconduct leveled against him.
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