American rapper and music executive Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has rejected a plea deal in a federal sex trafficking case, which could result in a life sentence if he is found guilty.
On Thursday, Mr Combs, who appeared at a court hearing in Manhattan, New York, confirmed rejecting a plea deal as he turned down the prosecutors’ offer, making it possible for his trial to proceed as scheduled.
U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, overseeing his trial in New York, asked Mr Combs if he had “rejected the government’s offer” of a plea deal.
“Yes, I did,” replied the hip-hop mogul.
Maurene Comey, a Manhattan U.S. attorney’s prosecutor, said, “Combs risks facing a more severe sentence if convicted of the accused crimes at the trial than if he accepts the plea deal.”
Another prosecutor, Madison Smyser, revealed that Mr Combs had rejected the offer during a previous week’s hearing.
According to the prosecution, the embattled rapper has been accused of using his business ventures to coerce women into participating in prolonged, drug-fuelled sexual acts with male sex workers.
In September 2024, Mr Combs was also accused of sex trafficking, rape, and the molestation of a 16-year-old boy.
He pleaded not guilty to all allegations.
However, Mr Combs’ legal team condemned these tactics as “clear attempts to garner publicity” by his accusers.
They argued that his sexual relations with the said women were consensual and a part of a “swingers” lifestyle shared between him and his long-time partners.
Mr Combs, a highly respected American music sensation credited with launching the careers of stars like Usher, Mary J. Blige, and the Notorious B.I.G., has had his reputation severely damaged by dozens of lawsuits and criminal indictments in recent times.
