Sean “Diddy” Combs is officially headed to trial. On Thursday (May 1), the 55-year-old rejected a final plea offer from the prosecution. According to PEOPLE Magazine, Combs informed U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian of his decision to stand trial with an affirmative “Yes, I did,” when asked if he declined the federal offer.
Last week, Combs declined to accept a plea deal, as well. Although the terms were never publicized, prosecutors asked Judge Subramanian if he could ‘allocute’ Combs on the potential arrangement to ensure the Harlem native understood the plea deal as he rejected the offer.
Although Combs has been offered the opportunity to take a plea deal, the Hip-Hop mogul made it clear last year that he was determined to stand trial and testify to combat the heinous accusations made against him. In TMZ’s The Downfall of Diddy: Indictment documentary, lawyer Marc Agnifilo claimed he and his client would parlay the moment into an inspirational lesson for others facing unfair government persecution.
The Grammy-winner was arrested in September 2024, and has since faced multiple accusations of rape, abuse, assault, and dozens of civil lawsuits from multiple alleged victims. He has remained behind bars, as multiple judges declined his request to be let out on bail.
Combs’ criminal trial is set to begin on Monday, May 5, with jury selection and opening statements on May 12. He is officially charged with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
Notably, his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, whose landmark lawsuit in November 2023 initiated the mogul’s downfall, will testify under her real name as Victim-1. The judge also ruled that a devastating video where Combs physically abused Ventura would be allowed in court.
Leave a comment