Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Rejects Plea Deal Ahead of Sex Trafficking Trial

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Rejects Plea Deal Ahead of Sex Trafficking Trial

Sean “Diddy” Combs has formally declined a plea deal offered by federal prosecutors in connection with a high-profile sex trafficking and racketeering case. The 55-year-old music mogul appeared in court last Thursday, where he confirmed to Judge Arun Subramanian that he rejected the government’s proposed plea agreement.

“Yes, I do, Your Honor,” Combs stated in response to the judge’s inquiry regarding the rejection.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey, the plea deal would have significantly reduced Combs’ potential prison sentence. A conviction at trial on all charges could result in what amounts to a life sentence. The specific terms of the plea offer were not disclosed publicly.

Combs appeared in court wearing a beige jail-issued uniform. He was seen smiling, embracing his legal team, and giving a fist bump to attorney Teny Geragos. Jury selection for the trial is scheduled to begin Monday.

The case stems from a sweeping federal indictment initially filed in September and later expanded through multiple superseding indictments. Combs faces several serious charges, including:

Racketeering Conspiracy (potential life sentence)

Sex Trafficking (minimum 15 years to life)

Transportation for Prostitution

Prosecutors allege Combs orchestrated a criminal enterprise in which he coerced women into prolonged sexual encounters—referred to as “freak-offs”—and subjected them to years of sexual, physical, emotional, and verbal abuse. He has consistently denied all allegations and entered a plea of not guilty to all charges, including an additional superseding indictment filed in March accusing him of forcing an employee into non-consensual sex acts.

Federal prosecutors anticipate calling up to 20 witnesses in addition to three principal alleged victims. Opening statements in the trial are expected to begin May 12.

During a recent pretrial hearing, attorney Teny Geragos raised concerns about public commentary made by Lisa Bloom, a Los Angeles-based attorney representing two of Combs’ civil accusers. Geragos argued that Bloom’s remarks in a documentary could prejudice the jury.

Judge Subramanian acknowledged the concern and indicated he would remind all attorneys and witnesses involved to follow professional conduct and avoid making public statements that could jeopardize Combs’ right to a fair trial.