Sex trafficking: Sean “Diddy” Combs declines US guilty plea deal offer
On Thursday, embattled American singer and business mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs declined a plea offer from the U.S. government.
Popularly known as P. Diddy, Combs could have potentially avoided a lengthy prison sentence by accepting the deal. However, when asked by Judge Arun Subramanian whether he was rejecting the prosecutors’ offer, he firmly replied, “Yes, I do, Your Honour.”
Combs is set to go on trial beginning Monday, with jury selection scheduled to start the same day. He faces serious charges including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and prostitution. Prosecutors allege that he coerced women into prolonged sexual encounters he reportedly termed “freak-offs.”
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According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey, a guilty plea would have significantly reduced the potential prison time. A full conviction could lead to what would effectively be a life sentence.
Combs appeared in court wearing a beige jail uniform. He smiled, embraced members of his legal team, and exchanged a fist bump with attorney Teny Geragos.
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During the brief hearing, Geragos raised objections to public comments made by attorney Lisa Bloom, who represents at least two of Combs’ civil accusers, in a recent documentary.
“We’re concerned with her behaviour here,” Geragos stated.
Judge Subramanian assured that he would remind all legal counsel and witnesses to adhere to professional conduct and court protocols, particularly with regard to public statements that could jeopardize Combs’ right to a fair trial.
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